EADS keen to build export base in India

With India becoming a manufacturing major, European defence consortium EADS today said it was keen to develop relations with large suppliers to create a base for exporting defence and civil aviation equipment.

"The ambition of EADS is to identify a strong Indian supplier base that will contribute to enhance its (India) global competitiveness," Vice President (Global Sourcing) Philippe Advani told PTI.

While observing that there were "a number of hurdles" to be overcome for realising India's civil and defence aviation potential, he said EADS had this year assisted suppliers to contribute to the IAF's Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) and also set up its India sourcing office last year.

"In support of our group business units, we have assisted in February 2008 Eurofighter (a product of EADS) to build an extensive network of Indian suppliers to contribute to the MRCA related offset requirements," he said.

A similar approach was being adopted for Eurocopter with a major Indian suppliers' conference being held.

The global attitude towards India, including on its Aerospace and Defence sectors, has changed radically over the past five years. Aerospace and Defence Original Equipment Manufactures (OEMs) were shifting from vertically integrated manufacturing (from detail parts to the final assembly line) to a strong focus on design and systems integration.

"As a consequence companies like EADS will be keen to develop relationships with larger suppliers who can blend engineering and manufacturing," he said.