A collaborative effort between the renowned French aerospace leader, Dassault, and Reliance Aerospace Ltd, is poised to initiate the production of Falcon business jets in Nagpur.
Established in 2017 to fulfill offset obligations related to the Rafale aircraft agreement, the joint venture (JV) facility in Nagpur has been diligently crafting components for the formidable fighter jet. In 2019, it achieved a significant milestone by delivering the first cockpit assembly of the Falcon 2000 business jet.
Originally, the aspiration was to achieve full Falcon business jet assembly within India by 2022; however, this proposition encountered delays. Presently, endeavors are underway to solidify plans for comprehensive aircraft assembly on Indian soil. A confidential source affiliated with Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) disclosed that the objective is to unveil the inaugural Falcon 2000 LXS jet from Nagpur in early 2025. The initial production capacity is slated for 18 aircraft annually, with the potential to escalate to 22 aircraft.
“The initial shipments from the DRAL facility are earmarked for the French Defence Ministry, which has placed an order for nine aircraft with Dassault. With the imminent production of these business jets within the next 18 months, India will join the exclusive league of nations engaged in business jet manufacturing,” affirmed the undisclosed source.
Regarding the joint venture, the DRAL source clarified that there have been no deliberations about Dassault acquiring a stake in the JV held by the Anil Ambani group. An earlier media report in July had hinted at a possible stake sale due to Reliance’s financial constraints.
French Facility and Indian Prospects
Dassault currently operates an aircraft assembly facility in France. Additionally, the company boasts a completion center in the United States, where intricate tasks such as aircraft interior design, painting, and other engineering processes are undertaken.
Aviation industry insiders have noted that Dassault ranks as the third-largest Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the Indian business jet segment, trailing behind Textron and Bombardier, with approximately 20 Falcon jets. The Falcon jets, renowned for their impressive range of 3000-4000 nautical miles, have gained favor among charter operators in India. Their appeal lies in their spacious cabin design, offering enhanced comfort, as highlighted by a seasoned industry observer.
