Le Bourget Paris / Mumbai. Dassault Aviation and Reliance Infrastructure subsidiary, Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL) on June 18 at the Paris Air Show announced a landmark strategic partnership to manufacture Falcon 2000 business executive jets in India for the global markets. The partnership represents a significant step in advancing India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
Dassault Aviation will manufacture Falcon 2000 jets outside of France for the first time in its storied history. This pioneering initiative will see India emerge as a strategic centre for high-end business jet manufacturing.
It marks a historic moment for Indian aerospace and manufacturing industry, as the landmark agreement paves way for India’s entry into the elite club of countries producing next-generation business jets, alongside the United States, France, Canada, and Brazil. DRAL will also become the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Falcon series, including Falcon 6X and Falcon 8X assembly programs for Dassault Aviation, the first such CoE outside France. The state-of-the-art, final assembly line for Falcon 2000 jets will be established in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO, Dassault Aviation said, ‘’This new agreement, which will make DRAL the first centre of excellence for Falcon assembly outside France and which will eventually enable the establishment of a final assembly line for the Falcon 2000, illustrates, once again, our firm intent to meet our ‘Make in India’ commitments, and to contribute to the recognition of India as a major partner in the global aerospace supply chain. It marks the ramp-up of DRAL, in line with the strategic vision shared with our partner Reliance, which led to its creation in 2017 and is a testament to our unwavering belief in our future in India and serving India.”
Anil D. Ambani, Founder Chairman, Reliance Group said, “Our partnership with Dassault Aviation represents a landmark in Reliance Group’s journey, as we work together to firmly position India as a vital hub in the global aerospace value chain. This collaboration is a powerful expression of our commitment to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), and ‘Make in India for the World’ initiative, showcasing India’s capability to build and deliver next-generation business jets for global markets. The ‘Made in India’ Falcon 2000 will stand as a proud symbol of the nation’s technological prowess and manufacturing excellence.”
Dassault Aviation will also transfer the assembly of the front section of Falcon 8X and Falcon 6X, in addition to the wings and complete fuselage assembly of Falcon 2000 to DRAL. The transfer of assembly operations combined with major facility upgrades, will pave the way for the first flight of Falcon 2000 ‘Made in India’ from Indian soil by 2028.
The partnership represents a significant step in advancing India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, underscoring the nation’s growing prominence in the global aerospace ecosystem. The new final assembly line will cater to rising demand in Indian and international markets. Falcon business jets have established a strong presence in India’s corporate and charter aviation segment, earning the trust of esteemed customers who valued aircraft’s exceptional performance, comfort, and operational efficiency.
The joint venture between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure – DRAL was established in 2017. The operations commenced with the setting up of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Mihan, Nagpur, later that year. Since delivering its first Falcon 2000 front section in 2019, DRAL has assembled over 100 major sub-sections for the Falcon 2000, underscoring its world-class precision manufacturing capabilities and playing an integral role in Falcon global production program.
DRAL is expected to recruit several hundred engineers and technicians over the next decade to support its expanding operations. This growth underscores Dassault Aviation’s deep commitment to strengthening India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and advancing the nation’s emergence as a global center of excellence for high-precision aviation production.
