Apache flies into city
Boeing-Tata in deal to build deadliest copter
Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems will manufacture Apache helicopters in Hyderabad. The Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter and is used by the US Army and a growing number of international defence forces.
The two companies announced that they had formed a joint venture on Monday.
“Another big news for Telangana. Boeing & Tata Advanced System JV to manufacture Apache helicopters soon from Hyderabad. #Happening Hyderabad,” minister K.T. Rama Rao tweeted on Monday.
He didn’t specify whether the entire helicopter or parts would be pro- duced, or when production would start and other details. Officials were tight-lipped, saying only Boeing or Tata could reveal details. It is likely that significant parts of the helicopter, 2,200 of which are in service in different defence forces, could be manufactured in Hyderabad.
Boeing said its joint venture with Tata Advanced Systems would “co-produce aerostructures and pursue integrated systems development opportunities.... to produce Apache fuselages.” It said the deal would accelerate “momentum for ‘Make in India’.”
The Modi government had in September last signed a $2.5bn deal to buy 37 military helicopters from Boeing – 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinooks – to replace ageing Soviet-era aircraft.
Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems on Monday announced the joint venture to manufacture aerostructures for aircraft and collaborate on integrated systems development opportunities in India.
The JV will initially create a manufacturing centre of excellence to produce aerostructures for the AH-64 Apache and will compete for additional manufacturing work packages across Boeing platforms, both commercial and defence. Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems intend to grow the JV partnership with a focus on opportunities to collaborate on development and selling of integrated systems.
“This partnership will capitalise on India’s industrial capability, innovation and talent to contribute to Boeing’s long-term competitiveness, and position us for future growth in the global marketplace,” said Chris Chadwick, CEO of Boeing Defence, Space & Security.
“It is a demonstration of our commitment to further accelerate our partnership with one of the world’s fastest growing economies,” Boeing said in a statement.
“The agreement to establish a JV will propel the growth of the Indian aerospace sector by leveraging the world-class competencies of TASL and its supplier eco-system, as well as provide access to India’s world-class manufacturing capability, skilled talent and competitive cost structures,” said S. Ramadorai, chairman, Tata Advanced Systems.
“Over the last 12 months, we have doubled our sourcing from India and are committed to continue that journey,” said Mr Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India.