In a significant advancement for India’s aerospace manufacturing sector, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure has entered into a partnership with the renowned French aerospace company, Dassault Aviation. This collaboration intends to establish the production of Falcon 2000 business jets within India. The announcement was made in a joint statement by both companies on Wednesday.
The initiative will see the construction of a final assembly line in Nagpur, Maharashtra—making it the first instance in which Dassault will manufacture Falcon 2000 jets outside of its home country, France. This move is part of a broader trend of growing defense and aerospace collaboration between India and France, and aligns with India’s Make in India initiative aimed at enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The two companies have indicated that the inaugural jets produced in India are projected to be delivered by 2028. These aircraft are designed for a range of applications, catering to both corporate and military sectors. The Falcon 2000 model is especially noted for its long-range capabilities, advanced avionics, and flexibility for various mission profiles, further emphasizing the potential for diverse usage.
Following the announcement, the stock market reacted positively, with shares of Reliance Infrastructure experiencing a 5% increase during afternoon trading. Industry analysts view this partnership as a considerable milestone in India’s aspirations to establish itself as a global aerospace hub. It is anticipated that this development will not only enhance high-skill employment opportunities but also facilitate technology transfer and expand export potential for the country.
