In a landmark development for India’s aerospace industry, Dassault Aviation has announced a strategic partnership with Reliance Aerostructure Limited, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, to manufacture Falcon 2000 business jets in India. The announcement was made on June 18, 2025, at the Paris Air Show, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global aviation manufacturing hub.

This is the first time Dassault Aviation will manufacture its Falcon business jets outside France, and India has now joined the elite group of countries—United States, France, Canada, and Brazil—that manufacture business jets.

Dassault-Reliance Partnership and DRAL's New Role

The joint venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), established in 2017, will now evolve into a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Falcon series aircraft including the Falcon 6X and Falcon 8X. DRAL’s existing facility at MIHAN, Nagpur, will house a state-of-the-art final assembly line for the Falcon 2000 aircraft.

The first ‘Made in India’ Falcon 2000 jet is expected to be ready by 2028, serving both corporate and military clients. DRAL will also handle front section assembly of Falcon 6X and Falcon 8X, along with wing and fuselage assembly of Falcon 2000.

This move aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) policies, and underscores Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India a manufacturing powerhouse for the global market.

Strategic Impact on Aerospace Manufacturing

Speaking at the announcement, Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, stated:

“This agreement demonstrates our strong intent to deepen our roots in India and fulfill our ‘Make in India’ commitments. DRAL’s evolution as the first Falcon Centre of Excellence outside France is a testament to our trust in India’s aerospace future.”

Anil D. Ambani, Founder Chairman of Reliance Group, remarked:

“This collaboration is a milestone in our journey to make India a significant node in the global aerospace supply chain. The Falcon 2000 made in India will be a proud symbol of our engineering excellence and commitment to global standards.”

Boost to Employment and Technology Transfer

The Nagpur facility is expected to generate employment for several hundred engineers and skilled technicians over the next decade. DRAL has already delivered over 100 major sub-sections of Falcon 2000 jets since 2019, reflecting its precision engineering capabilities.

With additional technology transfer planned—including assembly of critical aircraft sections—India is poised to enhance its aerospace ecosystem substantially. This initiative will also bring significant facility upgrades to the Nagpur plant, supporting both domestic and international demand for high-end jets.

India as a Global Business Jet Hub

Falcon jets have gained popularity in India’s corporate and charter aviation market, known for their reliability, operational efficiency, and luxury standards. With increasing demand for executive jets both in India and abroad, this partnership will position India as a preferred destination for global aircraft sourcing.

Dassault Aviation's Falcon jets are trusted by over 2,700 clients worldwide. The company, with €6.2 billion in revenue (2024) and 14,600 employees, brings a century of expertise in both military and civil aircraft. With this move, India becomes a critical part of its global manufacturing strategy.

DRAL's Manufacturing Journey Since 2017

Since its inception, DRAL has steadily advanced its role in Dassault's global operations. From delivering its first Falcon 2000 front section in 2019, DRAL has now become integral to the Falcon jet production program, contributing to key subassemblies with world-class precision.

The success of this venture reflects not only India’s engineering talent but also the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in achieving international manufacturing benchmarks.

Financial Strength of Reliance Group

The Reliance Group, which includes Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power, is one of India's leading business conglomerates. Both companies are debt-free, each with INR 33,000 crore in net worth and annual turnover, and a market capitalisation of INR 45,000 crore.

Reliance Infrastructure is active in power distribution, defence, and infrastructure development, including landmark projects like the Mumbai Metro. Reliance Power, with a total capacity of 5,305 MW, runs the world’s largest integrated thermal power plant in Sasan, Madhya Pradesh.

Conclusion

The partnership between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure to manufacture Falcon 2000 business jets in India is a historic milestone. With the final assembly line being set up in Nagpur, and the first jet slated for delivery by 2028, this initiative not only boosts India’s manufacturing capabilities but also places it on the global aerospace map.

By building cutting-edge jets for the world, India is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, self-reliance, and technological advancement, under the banner of Make in India for the World.

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