Reliance Infra & Dassault Aviation to Build Falcon 2000 Jets in India

In a landmark development for India’s aviation manufacturing sector, Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, and Dassault Aviation of France announced a strategic partnership to manufacture Falcon 2000 business jets in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The announcement, made at the Paris Air Show 2025, marks the first time Dassault will produce these aircraft outside France, positioning India as a new hub for high-end aerospace manufacturing.

Why in News?

On June 18, 2025, at the Paris Air Show, Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure Ltd announced a final assembly line for Falcon 2000 jets in Nagpur. This is the first time Falcon jets will be manufactured outside France, underlining India’s growing stature in global aerospace supply chains. The initiative aligns with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) missions. The first Indian-assembled Falcon 2000 jet is expected to be delivered by 2028.

Partnership Highlights

• Entities Involved: Dassault Aviation (France) & Reliance Aerostructure Ltd (India)
• Product: Falcon 2000 business jets
• Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra
• Expected Milestone: First delivery by 2028

Production Scope

• Final assembly of Falcon 2000
• Front section assembly for Falcon 6X and Falcon 8X
• Wings and fuselage assembly for Falcon 2000

DRAL’s Role and Expansion

• Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) to become Dassault’s first Center of Excellence outside France
• DRAL has already delivered over 100 sub-assemblies since 2019
• Major facility upgrades planned at DRAL’s Nagpur plant

Strategic Significance

• Makes India the fifth country globally capable of business jet manufacturing
• Strengthens India’s aerospace capabilities and employment prospects
• Supports PM Modi’s vision of India becoming a global manufacturing hub
• Potential to serve growing demand in India’s corporate and charter aviation sector

Economic & Employment Impact

• Hundreds of new jobs for engineers and technicians
• Expansion of precision manufacturing and skill development
• Boost for foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence and aviation sectors