Reliance Infra Arm, Dassault to Make Falcon Jets in India

Reliance Infrastructure's subsidiary, Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), has forged a landmark strategic partnership with French aerospace major Dassault Aviation to manufacture Falcon 2000 business executive jets in India for the global markets. The announcement, made on June 18, 2025, at the Paris Air Show, signifies a major leap for India's aerospace manufacturing capabilities and marks the first instance of Falcon 2000 jets being produced outside of France. This collaboration is set to establish a final assembly line for the Falcon 2000 jets in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Landmark Manufacturing Agreement

The strategic partnership between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure (BSE Scrip Code: 500390, NSE Scrip Symbol: RELINFRA), will see the Falcon 2000 business jets manufactured outside of France for the first time in Dassault's history. A dedicated final assembly line for these advanced aircraft will be established in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This pioneering initiative is poised to position India as a strategic hub for high-end business jet manufacturing, catering to both domestic and international demand.

The collaboration aims to significantly enhance India's aerospace ecosystem, aligning with the government's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiatives. The first 'Made in India' Falcon 2000 jet is slated for its inaugural flight from Indian soil by 2028, targeting both corporate and military usage.

DRAL: A Center of Excellence in Aerospace

Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), the joint venture between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure, will play a pivotal role in this endeavor. DRAL is set to become a Center of Excellence (CoE) for the entire Falcon series of business jets, including the Falcon 6X and Falcon 8X assembly programs. This will be the first such CoE for Dassault Aviation located outside of France.

Beyond the Falcon 2000 final assembly, Dassault Aviation will also transfer the assembly of the front section of the Falcon 8X and Falcon 6X aircraft to DRAL. Additionally, DRAL will handle the assembly of wings and the complete fuselage for the Falcon 2000. These expanded operations, coupled with major facility upgrades at the Nagpur plant, are crucial steps towards achieving the 2028 milestone for the first Indian-made Falcon 2000.

Strategic Significance and Economic Impact

This partnership marks a historic moment for the Indian aerospace and manufacturing industry. It paves the way for India's entry into an elite group of nations capable of producing next-generation business jets, a league that currently includes the United States, France, Canada, and Brazil.

The project is expected to generate significant employment, with DRAL planning to recruit several hundred engineers and technicians over the next decade to support its expanding operations. This growth underscores Dassault Aviation's commitment to strengthening India's aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and fostering high-precision aviation production capabilities within the country. The new final assembly line is anticipated to cater to the rising demand for business jets in both Indian and international markets, leveraging the strong presence Falcon jets have already established in India's corporate and charter aviation segments due to their performance, comfort, and operational efficiency.

Management Commentary

Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, commented on the development: ''This new agreement, which will make DRAL the first centre of excellence for Falcon assembly outside France and which will eventually enable the establishment of a final assembly line for the Falcon 2000, illustrates, once again, our firm intent to meet our ‘Make in India' commitments, and to contribute to the recognition of India as a major partner in the global aerospace supply chain. It marks the ramp-up of DRAL, in line with the strategic vision shared with our partner Reliance, which led to its creation in 2017 and is a testament to our unwavering belief in our future in India and serving India."

Anil D. Ambani, Founder Chairman of Reliance Group, stated: "Our partnership with Dassault Aviation represents a landmark in Reliance Group's journey, as we work together to firmly position India as a vital hub in the global aerospace value chain. This collaboration is a powerful expression of our commitment to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India), and 'Make in India for the World' initiative, showcasing India's capability to build and deliver next-generation business jets for global markets. The 'Made in India' Falcon 2000 will stand as a proud symbol of the nation's technological prowess and manufacturing excellence".

DRAL's Journey and Capabilities

The joint venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), was established in 2017. Its operations commenced later that year with the setup of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Mihan, Nagpur. DRAL has already demonstrated its capabilities, having delivered its first Falcon 2000 front section in 2019. Since then, it has successfully assembled over 100 major sub-sections for the Falcon 2000, underscoring its world-class precision manufacturing abilities and playing an integral role in Dassault's global Falcon production program.

About the Partners

Dassault Aviation: A French aerospace giant with over a century of experience, Dassault Aviation has delivered over 10,000 military and civil aircraft, including 2,700 Falcon jets, to more than 90 countries. The company is renowned for its expertise in the design, production, sale, and support of a wide range of aircraft, from the Rafale fighter jet to the high-end Falcon family of business jets, military drones, and space systems. In 2024, Dassault Aviation reported revenues of €6.2 billion and employed 14,600 people.

Reliance Group / Reliance Infrastructure: Reliance Aerostructure Limited is a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure Limited, a key constituent of the Reliance Group. The Group's prominent companies, Reliance Infrastructure Limited and Reliance Power Limited, are reported to be debt-free with zero outstanding loans from banks or financial institutions. The Reliance Group's financial strength is reflected in its net worth and annual turnover, each amounting to approximately INR 33,000 crore, and a market capitalization of around INR 45,000 crore, supported by a shareholder base exceeding 4 million. Reliance Infrastructure is active in the energy sector, with operations in power distribution in Delhi and power generation. The company also has interests in defence manufacturing and plays a significant role in infrastructure development through special purpose vehicles, including projects like the Mumbai Metro.