Masterstroke by Anil Ambani as Reliance Infra partners with Dassault Aviation to build Falcon 2000 jets in India, first flight scheduled for...
Anil Ambani (File)
In a major move that could cement India's place among the global list of premier aerospace manufacturers, Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure has partnered with French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation to manufacture the Falcon 2000 LXS Business Executive Jets in India for the global market. Reliance Infra, Dassault to build Falcon 2000 jets in India
In an official release, Dassault Aviation– primarily known for its Rafale fighter jets which are operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF)– termed the agreement with Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), a subsidiary of Anil Ambani's Reliance Infrastructure Ltd, as an 'epic moment' for India, who now joins an elite club of countries manufacturing next-generation business jets after the United States, France, Canada and Brazil.
This will be the first instance when Dassault will build the Falcon 2000 jets outside France. Anil Ambani hails historic Dassault deal
Commenting on the historic deal, Anil Ambani asserted that the collaboration reflects the Reliance Group's commitment 'to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self Reliant India)' and 'Make in India for the World'.'
'Our partnership with Dassault Aviation for manufacturing of Falcon Business Jets in India is a defining moment for the country, Aviation Industry and the Reliance Group. This will help position India as a key force in the global aerospace value chain,' the Reliance Group Chairman said. DRAL facility to be Dassault first CoE outside France
As per the release, the DRAL Facility at Mihan in Nagpur, Maharashtra, will be the Centre of Excellence (CoE) outside of France for Dassault Aviation's Falcon series, including the Falcon 6X and Falcon 8X programs. The first flight of the 'Made in India' Falcon 2000 is expected to take place from the DRAL Facility by 2028, it said.
According to the agreement, Dassault will also transfer the assembly of the front section of Falcon 8X and Falcon 6X, in addition to the wings and complete fuselage assembly of the Falcon 2000 to DRAL.
'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,' said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO, Dassault Aviation.
The release termed the deal as a 'landmark initiative', which will see India emerge as a strategic center for high-end business jet manufacturing, underscoring the nation's growing prominence in the global aerospace ecosystem. 'The new final assembly line will cater to rising demand in India and other international markets,' it added. Dassault-Reliance Infra joint venture
Anil Ambani-led Reliance Aerostructure and Dassault Aviation had launched DRAL as a joint venture in 2017, and established a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mihan, Nagpur, marking the start of operations. Since 2017, DRAL has constructed more than 100 key subsections for the Falcon 2000 since delivering its first Falcon 2000 front section in 2019, demonstrating its superior precision manufacturing skills and contributing significantly to the Falcon global production program.
As per the release, DRAL is expected to recruit several hundred engineers and technicians over the next decade to support its expanding operations. 'This growth underscores Dassault Aviation's deep commitment to strengthening India's aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and advancing the nation's emergence as a global center of excellence for high-precision aviation production.'
(With ANI inputs)
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