Boeing [BA] on Monday said it has entered into a joint venture with India’s Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture aerostructures for aircraft and defense and commercial aircraft.
“This partnership will capitalize on India’s industrial capability, innovation and talent to contribute to Boeing’s long-term competitiveness and position us for growth in the global marketplace,” Chris Chadwick, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said in a statement. “It is a demonstration of our commitment to further accelerate our partnership with one of the world’s fastest growing economies.”
Establishment of the new venture follows a deal in late September between Boeing and India for 22 AH-64 Apache attack and CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift utility helicopters, making the country’s defense ministry a new customer for the two helicopters.
The new venture will initially create a manufacturing center of excellence to produce aerostructures for the AH-64 and compete for additional manufacturing work packages across Boeing’s commercial and defense platforms. The companies said they intend to grow the JV in the future with a focus on opportunities to collaborate on development and selling of integrated systems.
The companies already have existing partnerships in India. Tata’s Advanced Materials business has delivered composite panels for the power and mission equipment cabinets and auxiliary power unit door fairings for Boeing’s P-8I long-range surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Tata’s TAL Manufacturing Solutions business also manufactures composite floor beams for Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner passenger plane and has provided ground support equipment for the Boeing C-17 military airlifter.
Boeing said that in the past year it has doubled its sourcing from India.