GE, Tata tie up to manufacture jet engine components
US multinational conglomerate General Electric (GE) and the Tata Group on Thursday announced the signing of an agreement to manufacture components of CFM International’s advanced LEAP engine in India for global supply chains. They also announced their intention to jointly pursue military engine and aircraft system opportunities for the India market.
CFM International is a 50-50 joint venture between GE Aviation, a division of GE, and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines. The LEAP engine is the world’s leading jet engine known for its technological superiority, fuel efficiency, and performance in powering single-aisle commercial jets.
“The Tata Group is a leader in the Indian defence and aerospace sector, and we look forward to working together to meet the growing demand for LEAP engines. Our collaboration in building innovative technologies will support the ‘Make in India’ vision of the Indian government,” said John L Flannery, chairman and CEO, GE.
Lauding the partnership, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, “We look forward to working with GE to build more expertise and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. The partnership will help drive synergies in defence manufacturing and focus on innovation to support our armed forces.”
GE’s former South Asia head, Banmali Agrawala, joined Tata Sons, holding company of the group, earlier this year, to head its realty and infrastructure vertical, including defence and aerospace.
Flannery, who is on a visit to India, earlier met Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra group. He also met Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited’s Chairman and Managing Director Atul Sobti.
Under GE’s partnership with the Tatas, GE Aviation and Tata Sons’ subsidiary, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), will collaborate for manufacturing, assembling, integration and testing of aircraft components. A new centre of excellence will be established to help develop a robust ecosystem for aircraft engine manufacturing in India and build related capabilities.
GE military engines have a strong history in India. GE currently provides jet engines and marine gas turbines for many Indian military applications, including the air force’s light combat aircraft Tejas Mk 1, navy’s P-8I aircraft, and P-17 Shivalik class frigates.