Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) said they signed a framework agreement to collaborate in aerospace and defense manufacturing and potential integrated systems development opportunities, including unmanned aerial vehicles.
The companies intend to market jointly the products and platforms developed together by Boeing and TASL.
The agreement was signed by Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing Military Aircraft and Sukaran Singh, managing director and chief executive officer of TASL.
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 said.
“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.”
“This framework agreement is the result of the world-class competencies of TASL as well as the vendor eco-system it has helped establish in India. It gives us an opportunity to explore the massive potential in India for aerospace manufacturing and make the investments required to grow the industry,” said Mr. S. Ramadorai, Chairman of TASL. “Boeing’s platforms require complex manufacturing processes within a competitive cost structure and we are confident that the partnership will be able to deliver high quality aerostructures out of India.”
Other Tata group companies – Tata Advanced Materials Limited (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 complex floor beams out of composite materials for the Boeing 787-9, a modern aircraft with exceptional environmental and fuel efficient capabilities. TAL has provided ground support equipment for the C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter.
Tata Advanced Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, focused on providing integrated solutions for Aerospace, Defence and Homeland Security. It is a manufacturing partner for global OEMs, including Airbus Group, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Cobham Mission Equipment, RUAG Aviation, as well as the Government of India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation. TAS has the capacity starting from just design to full aircraft assembly, and has expertise in missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, command and control systems, optronics and homeland security.
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems.
A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training.
Boeing has been active in India for more than 75 years with its commercial airplanes, along with those from Airbus, providing the mainstay of India’s civil aviation sector.
More recently its military aircraft have played an important role in the modernization and mission-readiness of India’s defense forces.