Boeing, Tata Group form JV to make aerostructures

Collaborate on integrated systems development opportunities as well. The Joint Venture would create a manufacturing centre of excellence to produce aerostructures for the AH-64 Apache Helicopter.

Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) have joined hands to manufacture aerostructures for aircraft and collaborate on integrated systems development opportunities in India.

Initially, the Joint Venture would create a manufacturing centre of excellence to produce aerostructures for the AH-64 Apache Helicopter. It would compete for additional manufacturing work packages across Boeing platforms, both commercial and defence, a release from Dubai said on Monday.

“Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems intend to grow the partnership in future with a focus on opportunities to collaborate on development and selling of integrated systems,” said the announcement on signing of the agreement between TASL Chairman S. Ramadorai and Senior Vice President (Global Sales and Marketing) Boeing Defense, Space & Security Tom Bell.

Boeing International President Marc Allen, Boeing India President Pratyush Kumar and Tata Advanced Systems CEO Sukaran Singh attended the ceremony.

“This partnership will capitalise on India’s industrial capability, innovation and talent to contribute to Boeing’s long-term competitiveness and position us for future growth in the global marketplace,” President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security Chris Chadwick said.

According to Mr. Ramadorai, “the agreement will propel growth of the Indian aerospace sector by leveraging the world-class competencies of the TASL and its supplier eco-system as well as provide access to India’s world-class manufacturing capability, skilled talent and competitive cost structures.”

Sourcing doubled

“Over the last 12 months, we have doubled our sourcing from India and are committed to continue that journey,” said Mr. Kumar, highlighting that the JV was a pointer of Boeing’s long-term commitment to Make in India. The TASL, said Mr. Singh, was one of the select few in the private sector in India into manufacturing and assembly of both aircraft and helicopters, well-positioned for large-scale systems integration work in the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, the TASL offers integrated solutions for aerospace, defence and homeland security. It is a manufacturing partner for global OEMs, including Boeing, Airbus Group, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Cobham Mission Equipment, RUAG Aviation, the release said.