Aviation major Boeing and the Hyderabad-based Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) have joined hands to manufacture aerostructures, starting with those for the AH-64 Apache helicopter, in India.
Announcing their joint venture, a release from Dubai on signing of the agreement on Monday, said the partnership was for also collaborating on integrated systems development opportunities in the country.
A manufacturing centre of excellence to produce aerostructures for the Apache helicopter is to be created first. In September, India had signed contracts with Boeing for purchase of 22 Apache and 15 Chinook helicopters, in a deal to be executed over four years and valued about $3 billion.
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President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Chris Chadwick said capitalising on India’s industrial capability, innovation and talent, the partnership would help improve Boeing’s long-term competitiveness.
Describing the JV as a ‘clear example’ of Boeing’s long-term commitment to ‘Make in India’, Boeing India President Pratyush Kumar said over the last 12 months “we have doubled our sourcing from India and committed to continue that journey.”
Over time the JV — agreement for which was signed by TASL Chairman S. Ramadorai and Senior Vice-President (global sales and marketing) of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Tom Bell — would compete for additional manufacturing work packages across Boeing platforms, both commercial and defence.
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The agreement, according to Mr. Ramadorai, will propel growth of the Indian aerospace sector by leveraging the world-class competencies of TASL and its supplier eco-system.
It would provide access to India’s world-class manufacturing capability, skilled talent and competitive cost structures.
TASL, its CEO Sukaran Singh, said, is one of the select few in the private sector into manufacturing and assembly of aircraft and helicopters in the country and well-positioned for large-scale systems integration work in the aerospace and defence sectors.
The wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, offering integrated solutions for aerospace, defence and homeland security, is a manufacturing partner for global OEMs, including Boeing, Airbus, Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Cobham Mission Equipment and RUAG Aviation.
A few other Tata group companies have established partnerships with Boeing to manufacture aerostructures for Boeing’s commercial and military aircraft.