Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has signed an agreement to collaborate in aerospace and defense manufacturing and potential integrated systems development opportunities, including unmanned aerial vehicles. The agreement was signed by Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing Military Aircraft and Sukaran Singh, managing director and chief executive officer of TASL. TASL was already on contract to manufacture aerostructures for Boeing's CH-47 Chinook and AH-6i helicopters.

Tata Advanced Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, focused on providing integrated solutions for aerospace, defense and homeland security. Tata Advanced Materials Ltd (TAML) and TAL Manufacturing Solutions (TAL), would also be supplying important components to Boeing.

"The companies intend to access markets jointly for products and platforms developed together by Boeing and TASL," said in a joint statement. "This agreement with TASL is significant because it demonstrates Boeing's commitment to expanding its aerospace manufacturing footprint in India," Lavender said.

"As we step into our 100th year in business, a new aerospace partnership with India is the perfect milestone to accelerate the momentum we have generated for making in India," said Pratyush Kumar, president for Boeing India. "It is noteworthy that TASL will produce Chinook helicopter parts in India even before the procurement contract is signed with the Indian government," he said.

"This framework agreement is the result of the world-class competencies of TASL as well as the vendor eco-system it has helped establish in India. It gives us an opportunity to explore the massive potential in India for aerospace manufacturing and make the investments required to grow the industry," said Mr. S. Ramadorai, Chairman of TASL. "Boeing's platforms require complex manufacturing processes within a competitive cost structure and we are confident that the partnership will be able to deliver high quality aerostructures out of India," he added.

This is a big boost to the Modi government. The government has been trying to push the 'Make in India' agenda since its launch by trying to encourage more companies to manufacture in India and boost skilled employment, particularly in defense.

By Premji