Mumbai, July 2025 – Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence Limited plans to invest ₹10,000 crore in India’s aerospace sector over the next decade. The company aims to position itself as a major player in the global aviation and defence industry, with ambitious plans including the launch of India’s first indigenously assembled commercial business jet by 2028.
Reliance Defence, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (listed on the stock exchange), is currently involved in aviation and defence manufacturing. The capital required for this investment will be raised by Reliance Infrastructure through equity placements, foreign currency bonds, and monetization of road assets. The company aims to raise ₹17,600 crore through these channels.
Speaking to the media, Rajesh Dhingra, Managing Director and CEO of Reliance Defence, said, “Our goal is to become a significant part of the global aerospace market within five years. The upcoming Falcon 2000 business jet, to be built in India, marks a major milestone toward that vision.”
Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture: A New Chapter in Indian Aviation
The aircraft will be manufactured by Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL), a joint venture between France’s Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure Ltd. The manufacturing plant is located in MIHAN, Nagpur. This will be the first time Dassault produces aircraft outside of France, signaling a strong vote of confidence in India’s aerospace capabilities.
The business jet in development is part of the Falcon 2000 series, and the company expects to roll out the first aircraft by the end of 2028. The Nagpur facility, spread across 400,000 square feet, is designed to produce up to 22 jets per year. DRAL currently manufactures various components for the Falcon 2000 and the Rafale fighter aircraft.
“This project puts India on the global map among the few countries capable of producing commercial aircraft,” Dhingra added.
Expansion into Military Upgrades and MRO
Apart from commercial jets, Reliance Defence is investing ₹5,000 crore to expand its military aircraft upgrade and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. The company has already completed the upgrade of 55 Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard, in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
A new MRO facility in Nagpur, in partnership with a U.S.-based company, is also underway. This centre will be dedicated exclusively to defence aircraft—making it the first of its kind in India.
International Collaborations and Defence Exports.
Reliance Defence is also working with multiple global partners to expand India’s footprint in defence manufacturing:
A joint venture with Thales Group (France) is focusing on avionics for Mirage 2000 jets and logistics for Rafale squadrons.
An export contract worth ₹600 crore has been signed with Germany’s Rheinmetall for manufacturing key components.
A partnership with Diehl Defence (Germany) aims to produce precision-guided artillery ammunition in Ratnagiri.
Future Vision
With the ongoing development of the Dhirubhai Ambani Defence City in Ratnagiri and aerospace parks in Nagpur, Reliance Defence is strategically positioning itself to become one of India’s top three defence exporters in the coming years.
By 2028, the company envisions not only rolling out India’s first made-in-country commercial jet but also becoming a key contributor to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in defence and aerospace.
