Dassault, Reliance to Build Falcon 2000 Jets in India by 2028
In a significant boost to India’s defence manufacturing ambitions, France’s Dassault Aviation and Reliance Infrastructure have announced a partnership to produce Falcon 2000 business jets in India. The joint effort marks the first time Dassault will manufacture these jets outside of France, with the first “made-in-India” Falcon 2000s expected to be delivered by 2028.
The jets will be built at a final assembly line in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Reliance Aerostructure, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure. The facility will cater to both corporate and military markets, addressing rising demand domestically and globally.
The announcement aligns with India’s growing push for indigenous defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. With India still ranking as the world’s largest arms importer, the government is keen to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers by encouraging international defence giants to manufacture in India—either independently or through partnerships with Indian firms.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the companies said the Falcon 2000 program would significantly contribute to this effort by creating a local ecosystem for high-end aviation technology. Dassault’s decision to assemble the jets in India underscores the country’s emerging role as a global aerospace hub.
“This is the first time Falcon 2000 aircraft will be made outside France,” the companies said, adding that the facility in Nagpur will be equipped to handle full aircraft assembly, integration, and testing.
The Falcon 2000 is a twin-engine business jet known for its long range, cabin comfort, and versatility. Its use spans corporate aviation, military VIP transport, and surveillance missions, making it a dual-use platform with commercial and strategic appeal.
The move is also expected to provide a major fillip to India’s defence export ambitions, which rose 12% in the last fiscal year to $2.76 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Defence. The new assembly line is likely to attract more global interest and investment in India’s growing aerospace sector.
The Falcon 2000 deal follows another milestone earlier this month, when Dassault signed an agreement with Tata Group to manufacture Rafale fighter jet fuselages in Hyderabad—again, marking the first such production outside France.
The twin announcements reflect France’s deepening defence ties with India and the confidence global aerospace leaders are placing in Indian manufacturing.
With the Falcon 2000 line expected to generate skilled jobs, technology transfer, and export potential, the Dassault-Reliance partnership is poised to become a cornerstone in India’s aerospace future.
IT.
