India To Join Elite Club Of Business Jet Makers As Dassault-Reliance To Build Falcon 2000 Locally By 2028

Dassault Aviation and Reliance Infrastructure have announced a partnership to manufacture Falcon 2000 jets in India, reported India Today.

This collaboration marks a significant step for India's defence sector, as the government is promoting domestic production of defence equipment.

Dassault plans to deliver the first made-in-India jets by 2028 for both corporate and military applications.

"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," Reliance Infrastructure said in a statement.

The company stated that it will cater to rising demand in both Indian and international markets.

This will be the first time Dassault will manufacture Falcon 2000 aircraft outside of France.

The joint venture between Dassault and Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Aerostructure will establish the final assembly line in Nagpur.

This move aligns with India's broader strategy to increase local defence manufacturing and reduce its reliance on imports.

India, a major global arms importer, has been actively encouraging international firms to establish production facilities within the country, either independently or through partnerships with domestic companies.

Also, New Delhi is focusing on boosting defence exports, which saw a 12 per cent increase in the fiscal year ending March, reaching $2.76 billion.

Earlier, Dassault also inked a deal earlier this month with the Tata group of India to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in Hyderabad.