BEL, Pilatus Aircraft launch offset project in India

Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Switzerland, have announced the launch of an offset project to establish an electrical harness manufacturing capability at BEL's Bangalore Complex.

The project will enable BEL to manufacture electrical harnesses for the Pilatus global supply chain.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd entered into a contract with the Government of India in 2012 for the supply of 75 PC-7 MkII turboprop basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force.

The contract includes an integrated ground based training system, a comprehensive logistics support package and a 30 per cent offset obligation. Pilatus has taken the offset obligation as a major opportunity to expand its footprint in India.

The partnership between BEL and Pilatus dates back to 2010 when both the companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on an offset-related basic trainer aircraft requirement for the Indian Air Force. It culminated in BEL and Pilatus concluding an agreement for the production of certain aircraft electrical cable looms in 2013.

The project includes transfer of technology in the form of tooling, jigs and training of BEL's personnel at Pilatus in Switzerland and India. The first phase of training in Switzerland was successfully completed in June 2013.

The training at BEL's facilities in Bangalore is scheduled to be completed by this year end. Pilatus will continue to provide support as and when required until the capability is established at BEL.

Building on the synergy between the two companies, BEL and Pilatus are also reviewing additional potential offset project opportunities to be launched in the near future.