Apache deal, a boost to ‘Make in India’

Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems on Monday announced the joint venture to manufacture aerostructures for aircraft and collaborate on integrated systems development opportunities in India. The JV will initially create a manufacturing centre of excellence to produce aerostructures for the AH-64 Apache and will compete for additional manufacturing work packages across Boeing platforms, both commercial and defence. Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems intend to grow the JV partnership with a focus on opportunities to collaborate on development and selling of integrated systems.

“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,” said Chris Chadwick, CEO of Boeing Defence, Space & Security. “It is a demonstration of our commitment to further accelerate our partnership with one of the world’s fastest growing economies,” Boeing said in a statement.

“The agreement to establish a JV will propel the growth of the Indian aerospace sector by leveraging the world-class competencies of TASL and its supplier eco-system, as well as provide access to India’s world-class manufacturing capability, skilled talent and competitive cost structures,” said S. Ramadorai, chairman, Tata Advanced Systems.

“Over the last 12 months, we have doubled our sourcing from India and are committed to continue that journey,” said Mr Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India.

“Our commitment was demonstrated by Boeing chairman Jim McNerney’s presence at the recently concluded aerospace Innovation Summit in New Delhi and this JV is a clear example of Boeing’s long-term commitment to Make in India,” said Mr Sukaran Singh, MD and CEO, Tata Advanced Systems.

TASL is one of the select few private sector companies in India undertaking manufacturing and assembly of both aircraft and helicopters.

Boeing and Tata group companies have established partnerships in India to manufacture aerostructures for Boeing’s commercial and military aircraft.

Tata Advanced Materials has delivered composite panels for the 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 Manufacturing Solutions is manufacturing complex floor beams out of composite materials for the Boeing 787-9, the most modern aircraft. It has also provided ground support equipment for the C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter.