Boeing, Tata Advanced Systems to jointly produce drones

Sign agreement to collaborate in aerospace and defence manufacturing

US aerospace major Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) signed an agreement here on Wednesday to jointly manufacture aerospace and defence products, including unmanned aerial vehicles or drones.

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

According to the latest agreement, the companies “intend to access markets jointly for 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. “This agreement with TASL is significant because it demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to expanding its aerospace manufacturing footprint in India,” said Lavender.

Tata group firms Tata Advanced Materials (TAML) and TAL Manufacturing Solutions, too, supply 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, according to a company statement.

“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 S Ramadorai, chairman, 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,” he added.

Commenting on the development, Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India, 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. It is noteworthy that TASL will produce Chinook helicopter parts in India even before the procurement contract is signed with the Indian government.”

TASL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a manufacturing partner with various global original equipment manufacturers such as Airbus Group, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and Pilatus Aircraft as well as with the Indian defence establishment.