Nagpur Set to Become Hub for Rafale Fighter Jet Manufacturing, Says Union Minister Nitin Gadkar

Defense News ,India :- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Saturday that Nagpur is poised to become a manufacturing center for Rafale fighter jets. Speaking at the inaugural event of Advantage Vidarbha, aimed at attracting investments, Gadkari revealed that the renowned French company Dassault will undertake the production of Rafale fighter jets in Nagpur.

Gadkari emphasized that the manufacturing unit, located in the Mihan-SEZ, is operated by Dassault Reliance Aviation Limited (DRAL), a joint venture between France’s Dassault and the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Reliance Group. During a technical session at the event, Prakash Lute, CEO of DRAL, outlined the plans for Rafale production.

In addition to Rafale jets, Gadkari highlighted that the TAAL unit in Mihan-SEZ is currently producing at least 1,200 spares for both Airbus and Boeing aircraft. This development underscores the growing significance of the region as a hub for aerospace manufacturing.

During the same event, Lt General Vinod Khandare (Retd), the principal advisor to the Ministry of Defence, was present for a technical session. Gadkari pointed out that Vidarbha, with 75% of Maharashtra's minerals, is becoming increasingly attractive to industries. He predicted that Gadchiroli would emerge as the highest tax-paying district in the state within the next five years, attributing it to the influx of industries.

Furthermore, Gadkari reiterated that the DRAL unit in Mihan-SEZ is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Dassault and the Ambani Reliance Group. As the manufacturing of Rafale jets and aircraft spares gains momentum, Nagpur is set to play a pivotal role in the aerospace industry's landscape.