Bharat Takes Flight: Reliance-Dassault Deal to Manufacture Falcon 2000 Jets Elevates Nation’s Aerospace Ambitions

Paromita Das
New Delhi, 20th June:  Bharat’s aerospace sector is witnessing a defining moment. In a landmark move, Reliance Infrastructure has joined hands with France’s Dassault Aviation to manufacture the world-renowned Falcon 2000 business jets on Bharatiya soil. This development is not just about assembling aircraft—it is about positioning Bharat as a global contender in high-tech aerospace manufacturing. For the first time in Dassault’s history, the complete production of these luxury business jets will take place outside France, and Bharat has earned that distinction.

What’s more significant is that this is not a symbolic gesture. The expanded partnership will see the MIHAN SEZ facility in Nagpur transform into a full-fledged Centre of Excellence for the Falcon series—a prestigious title that previously existed only in France. It’s a move that sends a clear message: Bharat is no longer just a consumer of advanced technology but an emerging global producer.

From Sub-Assemblies to Final Assembly: A Strategic Shift

The Dassault Reliance Aviation Limited (DRAL) joint venture began its journey in 2017 with the goal of contributing to Falcon 2000 sub-assemblies. It achieved its first major breakthrough in 2019 when it delivered the front fuselage of a Falcon 2000 jet. Since then, over 100 major components have been shipped from the Nagpur facility to Dassault’s main production lines in France.

This latest expansion signals a transformation in Bharat’s role—from contributor to creator. The facility will now undertake final assembly of the Falcon 2000 jets, as well as front fuselage assembly for the larger Falcon 6X and 8X jets. With these capabilities, Bharat joins an elite league of countries—like the United States, France, Brazil, and Canada—that manufacture complete high-end business jets.

Economic Impact: A Win for Bharat’s Industrial Ecosystem

The implications of this move stretch far beyond the boundaries of one company or region. The upgraded DRAL facility is expected to generate hundreds of high-skill jobs and stimulate local supply chains, creating ripple effects across Bharat’s broader aerospace and defense manufacturing sectors.

With the Centre of Excellence located in Nagpur’s MIHAN SEZ, the region is poised to become a nucleus for future aerospace innovation. The facility will likely attract complementary businesses, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), component manufacturers, and service providers—all vital pieces in building a self-sustaining industrial ecosystem.

Anil Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Group, rightfully called it a “proud moment” and emphasized the project’s alignment with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Dassault’s CEO Eric Trappier echoed this sentiment, stressing that the move is not just a business decision but a testament to Bharat’s growing stature in the global aerospace value chain.

More Than Business—It’s Strategic Autonomy

Beyond economic metrics, this partnership carries strategic implications. In today’s geopolitically sensitive environment, aerospace manufacturing is not just an industry—it is a critical aspect of national security and technological sovereignty. By building jets within its borders, Bharat gains not just jobs but control over high-precision manufacturing, intellectual property, and industrial know-how.

For a country that has historically imported advanced aircraft from abroad, moving into the manufacturing phase marks a significant shift. It gives Bharat leverage in future defense deals, helps in skill development, and ensures that the country is not perpetually dependent on foreign technology. This is an essential step in Bharat’s long-term goal of becoming a defense and aerospace powerhouse.

MIHAN SEZ and Nagpur: The New Industrial Frontier

Choosing Nagpur as the base for this transformative facility is both a logistical and symbolic win. The MIHAN SEZ was envisioned as a future-ready industrial zone with global ambitions, and it is finally beginning to deliver on that promise. With world-class infrastructure and connectivity, it serves as an ideal hub for large-scale aerospace projects.

This location also helps decentralize Bharat’s industrial landscape, moving away from traditional metro-centric development. It empowers tier-2 cities to become engines of growth and innovation, setting a precedent for future industrialization policies.

A Flight Toward Global Recognition

The Reliance-Dassault partnership to manufacture Falcon 2000 business jets in Bharat is more than just a corporate agreement—it is a national milestone. It marks Bharat’s entry into an elite group of countries capable of producing high-end aerospace equipment and opens up new opportunities in both civilian and defense aviation sectors.

But this should not be seen as an end—it’s the beginning of a new industrial revolution for Bharat. If nurtured properly with continued policy support, infrastructure development, and talent training, this initiative can serve as a blueprint for other global partnerships.

Bharat is ready not just to make in Bharat, but to lead in Bharat. And in this skyward journey, the Falcon 2000 might just be the first of many wings to take flight.