a
 
World Defense & Security Industry News - Boein & Tata ASL
 
 
 
Boeing and Tata sign "Make in India" agreement for aerospace and defense manufacturing
 
The Indian company Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and US-based aircraft maker Boeing on Wednesday July 15th signed a strategic framework agreement here to collaborate in the sphere of aerospace and defence manufacturing as well as explore the potential of developing integrated systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The pact was signed by Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing Military Aircraft, and Sukaran Singh, MD & CEO of Hyderabad-based TASL.
     
The Indian company Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and US-based aircraft maker Boeing on Wednesday July 15th signed a strategic framework agreement here to collaborate in the sphere of aerospace and defence manufacturing as well as explore the potential of developing integrated systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The pact was signed by Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing Military Aircraft, and Sukaran Singh, MD & CEO of Hyderabad-based TASL. Tata already manufactures aerostructures for Boeing's CH-47 Chinook and AH-6i helicopters
     
Though Boeing has been procuring components from 18 suppliers in India, the latest deal will actually see it 'Make in India' along with the Tatas. For the first time, Boeing will develop high-end aerospace and defence sector technology in India, which can cater to the global markets. TASL will get "significant work packages" in the aerospace-defence manufacturing space, said a Boeing spokesperson.

The Tatas have a big manufacturing footprint at the Adibatla Aerospace and Precision Engineering Park on the outskirts of Hyderabad, where they have already invested over US$157 mn, and are expected to further beef up their presence here. TASL, whose focus areas include aerospace, missiles, homeland security, optronics, UAVs and radars, among other defence-related products, already has a couple of JVs — Tata Sikorsky Aerospace and Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures — that manufacture aerospace and defence products at the Adibatla park.

TASL is already on contract to manufacture aerostructures for Boeing's CH-47 Chinook and AH-6i helicopters.

"This agreement with TASL is significant because it demonstrates Boeing's commitment to expanding its aerospace manufacturing footprint in India," Lavender was quoted as saying in a Boeing statement.

"As we step into our 100th year in business, a new aerospace partnership with India is the perfect milestone to accelerate the momentum we have generated for making in India," said Pratyush Kumar, president for Boeing India.

"It is noteworthy that TASL will produce Chinook helicopter parts in India even before the procurement contract is signed with the Indian government," he said.

Government is in the process of clearing a contract worth over USD 2.5 billion for 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers. S. Ramadorai, Chairman of TASL, said this gives them an opportunity to explore the massive potential in India for aerospace manufacturing and make the investments required to grow the industry.

Other Tata group companies, Tata Advanced Materials Ltd (TAML) and TAL Manufacturing Solutions (TAL), are also supplying important components to Boeing.

TAML has delivered power and mission equipment cabinets and auxiliary power unit door fairings for the P-8I long range maritime surveillance and anti submarine warfare aircraft.

TAL is manufacturing floor beams out of composite materials for the Boeing 787-9.

TAL has provided ground support equipment for the C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter.

(Source: The Times of India)