Falcon 2000 MRA Jets to Be Made in India for Indian Navy
Reliance Aerostructure and Dassault Aviation are set to offer a made-in-India variant of the Falcon 2000 jet, specially modified for multi-role maritime operations, to the Indian Navy. The aircraft, known as the Falcon 2000 MRA (Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft), is being positioned as a cutting-edge platform to enhance India’s maritime surveillance and defense preparedness.
Made-in-India Falcon Jets
For the first time outside France, the Falcon 2000 will be assembled on Indian soil. A dedicated final assembly line is under development at the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) facility in the MIHAN SEZ, Nagpur. This facility is expected to begin production by 2028 and will have the capacity to manufacture up to 22 aircraft annually, catering to both civilian and military needs.
The DRAL unit has already produced critical components for Dassault’s Falcon series jets. The shift toward full assembly of the Falcon 2000 marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to localize aerospace production and reduce dependency on imports.
Naval Variant: Falcon 2000 MRA
The navalised Falcon 2000 MRA is designed with advanced surveillance systems tailored for maritime operations. It features an underbelly sensor suite that includes maritime radar, EO/IR systems, and enhanced communication capabilities for real-time coordination with naval command. Its high endurance and range make it ideal for long-patrol missions, anti-smuggling operations, and maritime domain awareness roles.
With India’s growing focus on securing its vast coastline and exclusive economic zones, the Falcon 2000 MRA offers the Navy an agile and efficient solution for a wide range of missions without the cost burden of heavy-duty platforms.
Strategic Significance
By offering this platform, the Reliance-Dassault partnership supports India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The deal would mark a substantial step in transitioning from component-level manufacturing to the full assembly of complex aircraft, strengthening India’s aerospace capabilities.
This development also aligns with previous localization moves like the Rafale fuselage production in Hyderabad and the increasing contribution of Indian suppliers in Dassault’s global supply chain.
