Daher: industrial partner of Dassault Aviation on the Rafale program

By leveraging several of its industrial sites across France, Daher demonstrates the ability to manage complex industrial transfers, to support the program’s production ramp-ups, and consistently maintain the highest standards of quality and reliability required in defense programs.

Major composite components from a strategic industrial transfer

Daher produces the Rafale’s canards and vertical tail plane – key components for the aircraft’s maneuverability, stability and flight characteristics. This work package was transferred from Dassault Aviation’s Biarritz, France site in the context of the program’s production ramp-up.

Manufactured using thermoset composites with high mechanical properties, these components rely on particularly demanding industrial processes that require advanced expertise in materials and fabrication. Daher operates a fully integrated production chain, including fabric cutting, automated layup, autoclave curing, and high-precision machining and fitting.

The canards have successfully passed key industrial qualification milestones, paving the way for increased production rates. The vertical tail plane, which is a major structural component subject to significant aerodynamic loads, progressively is entering its final validation phase.

A critical airframe component and high-precision assemblies

Daher also assembles the Rafale’s C1–C7 forward fuselage section – a structural subassembly located just aft of the aircraft’s nose near the cockpit canopy. In particular, it incorporates the structural support for the in-flight refueling probe – which is essential to the aircraft’s operational capabilities.

Comprising approximately 800 elementary parts – primarily metallic and sheet metal – the section requires exceptional geometric precision and strict interface control to ensure assembly robustness and repeatability.

Positioned at the start of Dassault Aviation’s final assembly line, this section is a critical production element whose quality and availability directly determine the overall flow of Rafale manufacturing.

Daher also assembles the equipped T34 panels, some of which serve in fuel zones, involving stringent sealing requirements and the implementation of specialized manufacturing processes.

 

Finally, Daher produces the radio access hatch for the two-seat Rafale variant – a dedicated component providing access to radio systems behind the cockpit canopy, illustrating the Daher Group’s capability to sustain specialized industrial expertise on high-value functional parts.

 

 

 

 

Dual-use industrial capabilities in support of sovereign programs

 

Daher’s activities on the Rafale program demonstrate the continuity of its industrial capabilities in both civil and defense sectors, built on expertise in complex assemblies, aerospace quality standards and the ability to deliver at increasing production rates. When applied to defense programs, these capabilities focus on critical, high value-added components, thereby contributing directly to industrial and operational sovereignty.

 

As a French family-owned company, Daher shares a common DNA with Dassault Aviation rooted in a long-term vision, industrial excellence and the transmission of specialized know-how. This close alignment fosters a long-standing relationship of trust – key to the success of demanding programs such as the Rafale.

 

“Daher’s work on the Rafale demonstrates our ability to industrialize and assemble critical components in highly demanding environments, while supporting the program’s production ramp-up,” said Alain-Jory Barthe, the CEO of Daher Industry. “Our adherence to delivery schedules and the quality of our production are recognized by Dassault Aviation, with whom we’ve built a long-term relationship of trust based on a shared industrial DNA as family-owned companies.”

 

 

About Daher – www.daher.com  

As an aircraft manufacturer, industrial company, industrial services provider, and logistics specialist, Daher currently employs 14,500 people, with a revenue of €1.9 billion in 2025. Backed by its family ownership, Daher has been innovation-driven since its founding in 1863. With operations in approximately 15 countries across Europe, North America and Asia, Daher designs and develops value-added solutions for its aerospace and industrial customers and partners.

 

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email: j.lenorovitz@daher.com