France could open a new Rafale fighter jet assembly line in India to fulfill large-scale contracts
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As reported by L’Usine Nouvelle on March 5, 2025, the French company Dassault Aviation is assessing the possibility of establishing a final assembly line for the Rafale fighter jet in India to manage increased production demands following anticipated large orders. CEO Éric Trappier stated, “India is preparing major orders, and we could certainly open a final assembly line in that country to be able to absorb this new workload.” The company is already working to increase its production capacity, with ongoing efforts to ramp up monthly Rafale deliveries while managing supply chain constraints.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Dassault is in the process of increasing the production rate of the Rafale fighter jet from two to three aircraft per month, and is aiming to reach four aircraft, with a potential of five depending on future orders. (Picture source: Régiment de Chasse 2/30 Normandie Niémen)
Dassault is in the process of increasing its Rafale production rate, especially given India’s expected procurement of additional Rafale-M carrier-based fighters. The company has transitioned from delivering two aircraft per month to three and aims to reach four, with the potential for five depending on future orders. In 2023, 13 Rafales were delivered, increasing to 21 in 2024, with a target of 25 for 2025. Dassault’s order book includes 230 Rafales, comprising 164 for export customers and 56 for the French Air and Space Force. In 2024, the company secured €8.3 billion in military contracts, compared to €6.5 billion in 2023. These contracts include orders for 12 aircraft from Serbia and 18 from Indonesia. The total backlog of Dassault military aircraft, including Rafales and Falcon jets, has reached €43.2 billion, up from €38.5 billion in 2023.
Despite efforts to increase production, Dassault is facing supply chain limitations, with certain subcontractors encountering delays following the pandemic. The company has opened a new facility in Cergy-Pontoise to support higher output and is considering additional infrastructure expansion. CEO Éric Trappier has stated that increasing production rates requires approximately two years for each incremental step. Dassault is also monitoring potential changes in U.S. trade policy, as a proposed 25% tariff on aircraft imports could impact Falcon business jet sales. The U.S. accounts for one-third of Falcon deliveries, and price adjustments may be necessary if tariffs are implemented.
India has received 36 Rafales under a 2016 contract, with deliveries completed by 2022. The Indian Air Force is considering further orders, while the Indian Navy is finalizing the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for operations from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The potential establishment of an Indian final assembly line would be consistent with the country’s “Make in India” policy, which aims to expand domestic defense manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Dassault has increased its industrial involvement in India since the mid-2010s, setting up production partnerships and maintenance infrastructure to support the Rafale fleet.
In addition to procuring additional aircraft, India is integrating the Astra Mk1 missile into its Rafale fleet. The Indian Air Force has demonstrated the Rafale’s ability to intercept targets at high altitudes, including simulated reconnaissance balloons at 16.7 km altitude. These developments are part of broader efforts to enhance the aircraft’s operational capabilities within India’s defense strategy.
The Rafale is a twin-engine, canard delta-wing, multirole fighter developed by Dassault Aviation. It is designed for air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions. The aircraft is equipped with the Thales RBE2 AESA radar, SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and a range of guided munitions, including Meteor and MICA air-to-air missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and Exocet anti-ship missiles. Powered by two Snecma M88 turbofan engines, the Rafale has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, a combat range of 1,850 km, and the ability to sustain supercruise at Mach 1.4.
The Rafale M, the carrier-based variant, features a reinforced airframe, strengthened landing gear, and an arrestor hook for carrier landings. It is designed for catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landings on aircraft carriers. The aircraft is intended to replace the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fleet and will be used on INS Vikrant, India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier. The Rafale M’s deployment is part of India’s naval aviation strategy, which aims to enhance the capabilities of its carrier-based fighter fleet.
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As reported by L’Usine Nouvelle on March 5, 2025, the French company Dassault Aviation is assessing the possibility of establishing a final assembly line for the Rafale fighter jet in India to manage increased production demands following anticipated large orders. CEO Éric Trappier stated, “India is preparing major orders, and we could certainly open a final assembly line in that country to be able to absorb this new workload.” The company is already working to increase its production capacity, with ongoing efforts to ramp up monthly Rafale deliveries while managing supply chain constraints.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Dassault is in the process of increasing the production rate of the Rafale fighter jet from two to three aircraft per month, and is aiming to reach four aircraft, with a potential of five depending on future orders. (Picture source: Régiment de Chasse 2/30 Normandie Niémen)
Dassault is in the process of increasing its Rafale production rate, especially given India’s expected procurement of additional Rafale-M carrier-based fighters. The company has transitioned from delivering two aircraft per month to three and aims to reach four, with the potential for five depending on future orders. In 2023, 13 Rafales were delivered, increasing to 21 in 2024, with a target of 25 for 2025. Dassault’s order book includes 230 Rafales, comprising 164 for export customers and 56 for the French Air and Space Force. In 2024, the company secured €8.3 billion in military contracts, compared to €6.5 billion in 2023. These contracts include orders for 12 aircraft from Serbia and 18 from Indonesia. The total backlog of Dassault military aircraft, including Rafales and Falcon jets, has reached €43.2 billion, up from €38.5 billion in 2023.
Despite efforts to increase production, Dassault is facing supply chain limitations, with certain subcontractors encountering delays following the pandemic. The company has opened a new facility in Cergy-Pontoise to support higher output and is considering additional infrastructure expansion. CEO Éric Trappier has stated that increasing production rates requires approximately two years for each incremental step. Dassault is also monitoring potential changes in U.S. trade policy, as a proposed 25% tariff on aircraft imports could impact Falcon business jet sales. The U.S. accounts for one-third of Falcon deliveries, and price adjustments may be necessary if tariffs are implemented.
India has received 36 Rafales under a 2016 contract, with deliveries completed by 2022. The Indian Air Force is considering further orders, while the Indian Navy is finalizing the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for operations from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The potential establishment of an Indian final assembly line would be consistent with the country’s “Make in India” policy, which aims to expand domestic defense manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Dassault has increased its industrial involvement in India since the mid-2010s, setting up production partnerships and maintenance infrastructure to support the Rafale fleet.
In addition to procuring additional aircraft, India is integrating the Astra Mk1 missile into its Rafale fleet. The Indian Air Force has demonstrated the Rafale’s ability to intercept targets at high altitudes, including simulated reconnaissance balloons at 16.7 km altitude. These developments are part of broader efforts to enhance the aircraft’s operational capabilities within India’s defense strategy.
The Rafale is a twin-engine, canard delta-wing, multirole fighter developed by Dassault Aviation. It is designed for air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions. The aircraft is equipped with the Thales RBE2 AESA radar, SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and a range of guided munitions, including Meteor and MICA air-to-air missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and Exocet anti-ship missiles. Powered by two Snecma M88 turbofan engines, the Rafale has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, a combat range of 1,850 km, and the ability to sustain supercruise at Mach 1.4.
The Rafale M, the carrier-based variant, features a reinforced airframe, strengthened landing gear, and an arrestor hook for carrier landings. It is designed for catapult-assisted takeoff and arrested landings on aircraft carriers. The aircraft is intended to replace the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fleet and will be used on INS Vikrant, India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier. The Rafale M’s deployment is part of India’s naval aviation strategy, which aims to enhance the capabilities of its carrier-based fighter fleet.
