Boeing, Tata get going to make Apache choppers at Hyderabad

Suresh Dharur

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Tribune News Service

Hyderabad, June 18

Global aerospace major Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) today set the ball rolling for their joint facility in Hyderabad to manufacture Apache helicopter fuselages and other aerostructures.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar laid the foundation stone of Tata Boeing Aerospace Ltd (TBAL) at the aerospace Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Adibatla on the city outskirts.

The Hyderabad production facility will eventually be the sole producer of AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages globally. “The joint venture between Tata and Boeing is a significant step in developing India’s capabilities for aerospace and defence manufacturing and becoming a global exporter. It is part of reforms the NDA government has taken for strengthening the defence sector. This unit will be a big push for ‘Make in India’ programme,” Parrikar said on the occasion.

“I am delighted to see Boeing and Tata step forward and make this significant investment in India,” he said.

Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter and used by the US forces as well as many other countries, including India.

TASL chairman S Ramadorai said: “Today’s ground-breaking ceremony is a significant milestone in furthering our commitment to the Indian aerospace sector. This partnership could boost the emerging manufacturing sector, contributing to the Prime Minister’s vision of Make in India. This joint venture brings together the core strengths of both companies and helps take this strategic relationship to the next level”.

TASL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is already on contract to manufacture aerostructures for Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook and AH-6i helicopters.

Boeing and Tata had announced in November last year a joint venture for manufacturing aerostructures and collaboration on integrated systems development opportunities in India.