Dassault’s Pune Expansion Deepens Rafale-Linked Offsets And India’s Defence Ecosystem

Dassault Aviation, the French aerospace giant behind the Rafale fighter jet, has expanded its India presence by inaugurating new premises for its Engineering Centre in Pune, Maharashtra, Economic Times reported.

In a statement, Dassault said the new facility aligns with its ongoing commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The new facility marks a significant step in Dassault Aviation’s long-term partnership with India’s aerospace ecosystem.

The company noted that the expanded Pune Engineering Centre will double capacity to over 150 engineers — reflecting Dassault’s intent to build advanced technological expertise and empower Indian talent to serve both domestic and global aerospace operations.

The expansion reinforces Dassault’s strategy to deepen design and engineering capabilities in India while working closely with local partners and suppliers.

The company added that the initiative will also bolster its offset commitments linked to the Rafale contract with the Indian Air Force.

"It also illustrates its commitment to meeting the offset obligations set out in the Rafale contract with the Indian Air Force," Dassault Aviation said.

As part of Dassault’s wider industrial footprint — spanning manufacturing, maintenance, and technology transfer — the Pune facility expansion complements India’s drive for defence indigenisation and private-sector participation in advanced defence manufacturing.

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