India is preparing to join an elite group of nations with indigenous business jet production following a landmark agreement between French aerospace leader Dassault Aviation and Anil Ambani’s Reliance Aerostructure. Under this deal, Nagpur’s MIHAN Special Economic Zone will house the first Falcon 2000 LXS final assembly line outside France, with the inaugural jet slated to roll out by 2028.
Production will take place at the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited facility, a joint venture that has been operational since 2017. Initially focused on manufacturing components such as cockpit sections and nose cones, the plant has already produced more than 100 Falcon airframe parts. It now aims to transition into full aircraft assembly for the Falcon 2000 series.
The Nagpur facility is strategically positioned for global production, with plans to produce multiple Falcon variants—including the 6X and 8X models—and cater to both corporate and defence clients. Annual assembly capacity is projected at up to 22 jets, though actual output will depend on order volumes.
The announcement, made at the Paris Air Show, is part of India’s broader defence manufacturing strategy aimed at reducing reliance on imports and strengthening indigenous capabilities. Unlike past defence production efforts, this project targets commercial business jets—a sector previously dominated by the United States, France, Canada, and Brazil. The initiative also reflects DRAL’s growing footprint in manufacturing. Currently employing around 300 skilled staff, the facility is expected to expand its workforce to approximately 1,000 as production scales up.
The market welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm, as shares of Reliance Infrastructure—the parent company of Reliance Aerostructure—rose 5% amid expectations of long-term revenue growth and elevated global positioning. Beyond its commercial impact, the collaboration enhances India’s aerospace ecosystem. DRAL’s evolution from manufacturing parts to assembling complete jets underscores a maturing industrial base capable of meeting high-precision aerospace standards. The facility is also set to become a centre of excellence, extending Dassault’s global production network beyond its French hubs.
Anticipated to begin flight tests by 2028, the first Falcon 2000 assembled in Nagpur will mark a milestone for both companies and the Indian aviation landscape. The move lays the groundwork for deeper collaboration and trust, potentially unlocking further projects such as the assembly of Falcon fighters or additional business jet variants.
In summary, the Dassault–Reliance Aerospace partnership represents a strategic leap for India’s aviation ambitions. By localising the final assembly of Falcon business jets and expanding technical capacities at Nagpur, India strengthens its place in the high-value aerospace manufacturing domain, signifying a new chapter in advanced, homegrown aviation capabilities.
