Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) have signed a framework agreement to work together in aerospace and defence manufacturing.
The deal was signed in Hyderabad by Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing Military Aircraft, and Sukaran Singh, managing director and chief executive of TASL, says Boeing in a statement.
“This agreement with TASL is significant because it demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to expanding its aerospace manufacturing footprint in India,” Lavender said.
The statement, however, stops short of mentioning specific areas or programmes in which the two partners will work on, or whether a joint venture company will eventually be formed.
It comes one day after news that New Delhi plans to acquire four additional Boeing P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
TASL already has work share on the Boeing CH-47 and AH-6I attack helicopter. New Delhi is in the process of approving a long-delayed deal for 15 CH-47Fs and 22 AH-64E Apaches.
Tata is an increasingly prominent player in India’s aerospace sector. In October 2014 it teamed up with Airbus Defence and Space for a requirement to replace New Delhi’s antiquated fleet of British Aerospace Avro 748 tactical transports.
Tata also has a joint venture in Bengaluru with Lockheed – Tata Lockheed Martin – that produces sub-assemblies for the C-130J. Meanwhile, a Tata joint venture with Sikorsky produces the cabin for the S-92 helicopter.
Other Tata units have work share on Boeing aircraft. Tata Advanced Materials provides power and mission equipment cabinets and auxiliary power unit door fairings for the P-8I. TAL Manufacturing Solutions builds composite floor beams for the 787-9 airliner.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
