Reliance, Dassault to Build Falcon 2000 Jets in India by 2028
In a major boost to India’s aerospace sector, Reliance Aerostructure and France-based Dassault Aviation have announced plans to manufacture Falcon 2000 business jets entirely in India. The project will be executed through their joint venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), and is set to roll out the first aircraft by 2028.
Falcon 2000 India
The manufacturing will take place at the MIHAN aerospace park in Nagpur, Maharashtra, where DRAL is setting up a dedicated final assembly line. This makes the Falcon 2000 the first Dassault Falcon business jet series to be assembled outside France, marking a significant milestone for both companies and Indian aerospace ambitions.
The facility will not only produce Falcon 2000 jets but also support major structural components for Dassault’s long-range Falcon 6X and 8X aircraft. DRAL has already been producing over 100 critical Falcon parts, including complete forward fuselage assemblies, since 2017.
Aerospace Manufacturing Boost
The new assembly line will be equipped to handle end-to-end manufacturing of fuselages, wing structures, and cabin modules, significantly enhancing India’s capability in high-precision aerospace manufacturing. This development places India among a select group of nations—such as the United States, France, Brazil, and Canada—that build full-fledged business jets domestically.
The expansion is expected to generate hundreds of jobs over the coming years and will turn Nagpur into a center of excellence for civil aviation manufacturing. DRAL also plans to serve international markets from this base, giving a strong push to India’s aerospace exports.
Strategic and Economic Significance
The move aligns closely with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, aimed at reducing reliance on imports and positioning the country as a manufacturing hub. It is also seen as a step towards reducing India’s dependency on foreign defense procurement, a major objective in the government’s long-term strategic roadmap.
Reliance Infrastructure shares surged nearly 5% following the announcement, reflecting strong investor optimism. The Falcon 2000 program joins a growing list of Indo-French aerospace collaborations, including the ongoing Rafale fighter offset program involving Dassault and Tata Advanced Systems.
As the project progresses, the Nagpur facility is expected to significantly contribute to India’s aerospace supply chain and high-tech export portfolio. By 2028, the delivery of the first India-built Falcon 2000 will mark a new era in the country’s civil aviation manufacturing landscape.
