Reliance Infra defence unit inks one more deal to help with Rafale work

Reliance Defence, the defence-focused subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, said it entered into yet another agreement with an overseas company. This time, the company said it tied up with Daher Aerospace, France, a supplier of integrated systems for aeroplanes.

Daher makes aircraft components

“Daher Aerospace is tier one manufacturer in Aerostructures segment comprising Fuselage Sections and Fairings made of composites as well as conventional metals for Dassault Aviation and other leading global aircraft manufacturers,” the Anil Ambani group company said.

“Signing this MOU on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show, Reliance Defence envisages a strategic partnership with Daher with aim to jointly explore opportunities in design and manufacture of composite parts; design and build welded ducts, metal conduits, swaged pipes and cable harness supports; aerostructure components, integrated logistics, airframes/ assemblies and related industrial activities.”

“The new facility with Daher Aerospace fosters a comprehensive defence manufacturing eco system through backward integration under the Government ‘Make in India’ program for indigenous manufacturing of aerospace components,” the company said.

The new deal comes a day after it said it has agreed to set up a joint venture with Thales to manufacture some of the components for the Rafale jet deal won by Dassault Aviation from the Indian Air Force.

Dassault has 50% Offset obligation for 36 Rafale aircraft, a contract valued close to €8 billion.

Reliance Defence is a key partner with Dassault Aviation for the offset program.

“This offers a great opportunity for both the companies to work together for aerospace composites parts manufacturer,” the Indian company said.

Aerospace composite structure requirement is estimated to be 43.9 million pounds, and the total aerospace demand for composites is estimated to be 18100 metric ton by year 2020, according to Reliance Defence.

Global demand for composite is estimated to rise from USD 18 billion to USD 43 billion by year 2032. Growth at CAGR of more than 4 %. The Indian composite market is expected to reach $1.45 bln by 2030.