This announcement marks Dassault's inaugural production of Falcon 2000 jets outside of France, with deliveries anticipated by 2028 for both corporate and military applications.
A subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure has partnered with France’s Dassault Aviation to manufacture these business jets in India, as stated in a joint announcement on Wednesday.
The companies will set up the final assembly line for the jets in Nagpur, Maharashtra, representing the first time Dassault has produced Falcon 2000 jets outside of France, according to a report by Reuters. The French firm aims to deliver the first jets made in India by 2028 for corporate and military purposes. Following this news, Reliance Infrastructure's shares rose by 5% during afternoon trading.
Dassault and Reliance to Manufacture Luxury Jets in India
At the ongoing Paris Air Show, Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure Limited announced a partnership to produce Falcon 2000LXS business jets in Nagpur, marking the first time these planes will be manufactured outside of France. The agreement aims to cater to the global market.
The Falcon 2000LXS can accommodate eight to ten passengers. The inaugural flight of the first jet produced in India is scheduled for 2028, taking off from the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd. (DRAL) facility in Nagpur. DRAL is a joint venture between Dassault and Anil Ambani’s Reliance Aerostructure Limited. The new assembly line is expected to produce 24 jets annually, according to sources familiar with the project.
"Dassault Aviation has announced that it will manufacture Falcon 2000 jets outside of France for the first time, establishing India as a key global aviation hub. This development places India among a select group of countries, including the United States, France, Canada, and Brazil, that produce next-generation business jets.
This announcement follows the recent partnership between Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to construct the Rafale fuselage at a new facility in Hyderabad. This initiative is considered a significant advancement for the government's Make-in-India program, as it marks the first time the fighter jet's fuselage will be produced outside of France."
The foundation for the DRAL facility near Nagpur airport was established in October 2017. The new agreement advances DRAL's previous plans to manufacture jets in India, which had been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This signifies the acceleration of DRAL, aligning with the strategic vision we share with our partner, Reliance,” stated Trappier.
This partnership underscores DRAL’s dedication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and ‘Make in India for the World,’ according to Anil D. Ambani, founder and chairman of Reliance Group.
“Our collaboration with Dassault Aviation to produce Falcon business jets in India represents a pivotal moment for the nation, the aviation sector, and the Reliance Group. It will position India as a significant player in the global aerospace value chain,” Ambani added.
The collaboration involves the transfer of the complete fuselage of the Falcon 2000LXS jets and wing assembly operations, along with significant upgrades to facilities, according to Dassault Aviation. The company will also transfer the assembly of the front sections for the Falcon 8X and Falcon 6X business jets.
“Since delivering its first Falcon 2000 front section in 2019, DRAL has assembled over 100 major sub-sections for the Falcon 2000, highlighting its exceptional precision manufacturing capabilities and its crucial role in the global Falcon production program,” the statement noted.
Starting in 2028, Dassault Aviation and TASL will provide Rafale fuselages for India and other international markets. Some of the 26 Rafale Marine fighters ordered by India for its navy will feature locally produced fuselages.
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