Reliance Infrastructure & Dassault to build Falcon 2000 jets in India; first Made-in-India aircraft by 2028

Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, signed a landmark agreement with Dassault Aviation to assemble Falcon 2000 business jets in Nagpur, Maharashtra, in a first for Dassault outside France. The partnership, announced at the Paris Air Show, positions India among an exclusive group of nations, including the US, France, Canada, and Brazil, to host a final assembly line for next-generation business aircraft.

This marks a major step under the joint venture Dassault Reliance Aviation Limited (DRAL), operational since 2017 in the MIHAN SEZ, Nagpur. DRAL has already produced over 100 key sub‑sections like front fuselage parts for Falcon aircraft, including Falcon 2000, Falcon 6X, and Falcon 8X. Now, the facility will be expanded into a final assembly line for Falcon 2000 jets, with the goal of delivering the first “Made-in-India” Falcon 2000 LXS by 2028.

Reliance Infrastructure shares surged 5% on the BSE following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence.

DRAL is set to be upgraded into a Centre of Excellence (CoE) not only for the Falcon 2000, but also to perform front-section assembly for the Falcon 6X and 8X.

Anil D. Ambani, founder-chairman of Reliance Group, remarked: “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”

Eric Trappier, Chairman & CEO of Dassault Aviation, added: “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… a testament to our unwavering belief in our future in India and serving India.”

Strategic significance

• First-ever Falcon 2000 assembly outside France.

• Strengthens India’s position in global aerospace manufacturing, aligning with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

• Final assembly line to be located at Nagpur’s MIHAN SEZ, with operations beginning with the front fuselage in 2019 and scaling up to full assembly by 2028

DRAL is preparing to recruit several hundred engineers and technicians over the next decade to support this scaled-up production. The production rollout will also serve both corporate and military variants under Dassault’s global delivery network.

This development heralds a new chapter in India's aerospace industry, highlighting its growing capability in high-tech manufacturing and reinforcing its strategic rise within the global supply chain.