Shares of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure hit its 5% upper circuit limit on Wednesday after its subsidiary signed a deal with French company Dassault Aviation to manufacture Falcon 2000 business executive jets in India for the global markets. Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, announced the deal today at the Paris Air Show.

 “The partnership represents a significant step in advancing India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities,” Reliance Infra said in a release.

Cheering the news, shares of Reliance Infrastructure jumped 5% to ₹386.05 on the BSE, while its market capitalisation climbed to ₹15,292.64 crore. Early today, the Anil Ambani group stock opened a tad lower at ₹365.95 against the previous closing price of ₹367.70, while it touched a day’s low of ₹361 apiece. The defence stock, however, rebounded 6.9% from the day’s low level after the deal announcement.

In an exchange filing, Reliance Infra said that the Dassault Aviation will manufacture Falcon 2000 jets outside of France “for the first time in its storied history”. This initiative will see India emerge as a strategic center for high-end business jet manufacturing.

India joins the elite club of countries producing business jets

The deal marks India’s entry into the elite club of countries producing next-generation business jets, alongside the United States, France, Canada, and Brazil.

“It marks a historic moment for Indian aerospace and manufacturing industry, as the landmark agreement paves way for India’s entry into the elite club of countries producing next-generation business jets, alongside the United States, France, Canada, and Brazil,” the release noted.

Dassault Reliance Aerospace (DRAL) will also become the Center of Excellence (CoE) for Falcon series, including Falcon 6X and Falcon 8X assembly programs for Dassault Aviation, the first such CoE outside France. The final assembly line for Falcon 2000 jets will be established in Nagpur, Maharashtra, the release noted.

“Our partnership with Dassault Aviation represents a landmark in Reliance Group’s journey, as we work together to firmly position India as a vital hub in the global aerospace value chain. This collaboration is a powerful expression of our commitment to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), and ‘Make in India for the World’ initiative, showcasing India’s capability to build and deliver next-generation business jets for global markets,” said Anil D. Ambani, Founder Chairman, Reliance Group.

 The ‘Made in India’ Falcon 2000 will stand as a proud symbol of the nation’s technological prowess and manufacturing excellence, he added.

The release noted that Dassault Aviation 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 Falcon 2000 to DRAL. The transfer of assembly.

“The partnership represents a significant step in advancing India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, underscoring the nation's growing prominence in the global aerospace ecosystem. The new final assembly line will cater to rising demand in Indian and international markets,” it added. 

Falcon business jets have established a strong presence in India’s corporate and charter aviation segment, earning the trust of esteemed customers who valued aircraft’s exceptional performance, comfort, and operational efficiency.

The joint venture between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure - DRAL was established in 2017. The operations commenced with the setting up of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Mihan, Nagpur, later that year.

Since delivering its first Falcon 2000 front section in 2019, DRAL has assembled over 100 major sub-sections for the Falcon 2000, underscoring its world-class precision manufacturing capabilities and playing an integral role in Falcon global production program.

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,” Reliance Infra said in the release.

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