Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems celebrated the foundation laying of a new facility in Hyderabad for its joint venture named Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) on June 18, 2016. The JV has been established to co-produce Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages and other aerostructures, as well as to pursue integrated systems in aerospace.

The Hyderabad production facility will eventually be the sole producer of AH-64 fuselages globally. The Apache has been flown or selected for acquisition by the United States and 15 other nations, including India.

Participating in the ceremony were Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar K.T. Rama Rao, Minister of IT and Industries & Commerce, Telangana; and other dignitaries from the Telangana government.

“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. This is a clear example of the significant progress made towards ‘Make in India for defence,’” said Defence Minister Parrikar. “I am delighted to see Boeing and Tata step forward and make this significant investment in India.”

Speaking on the occasion, S. Ramadorai, Chairman of Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), said, “Today’s ground-breaking ceremony is a significant milestone in furthering our commitment to the Indian aerospace sector. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 this partnership could boost the emerging manufacturing sector, contributing to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’. I am positive that this JV which brings together the core strengths of both companies will help take this strategic relationship to the next level.”

“This joint venture is an exciting advancement for Boeing in leveraging our capital and expertise globally,” said Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India, and Board Member of TBAL. “I am delighted that every such step we take is forging the way towards building an indigenous aerospace ecosystem in support of ‘Make in India.’”

In November 2015, Boeing and Tata announced a JV for manufacturing aerostructures and collaboration on integrated systems development opportunities in India. This JV will create a manufacturing centre of excellence to produce aerostructures for the AH-64 Apache and provide affordable manufacturing capabilities to the global aerospace industry.

“Today’s ground-breaking is the next step in Boeing and TASL’s journey to develop key technologies and capabilities,” said Dave Koopersmith, Boeing Vice President, Vertical Lift, and Board Member of TBAL. “We will be making significant investments to ensure the success of this joint venture as we bring value to our customers globally and compete for additional manufacturing work in the global market.”

“We are proud to partner with Boeing to manufacture complex aerospace aerostructures parts out of India”, said Sukaran Singh, MD & CEO, Tata Advanced Systems, and Board Member of TBAL. “Tata Advanced Systems has developed expertise in manufacturing as well as in large-scale systems integration work in the aerospace and defence sector. Our capabilities are further enhanced through collaborations and partnerships with leading global aerospace majors. We intend to grow this unique joint venture partnership with Boeing, focusing on opportunities to collaborate on development and life-cycle management of integrated systems.”

Boeing and Tata group companies have established partnerships in India to manufacture aerostructures for Boeing’s commercial and military aircraft. Tata Advanced Materials has delivered composite panels for the power and mission equipment cabinets and auxiliary power unit door fairings for the P-8I long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. TAL Manufacturing Solutions is manufacturing complex floor beams out of composite materials for the Boeing 787-9, the most modern aircraft with exceptional environmental and fuel-efficient capabilities. TAL Manufacturing Solutions has provided ground support equipment for the C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter.