Boeing To Shift AH-64 Apache Helicopter Fuselage Manufacturing To India

Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems today established a new facility in Hyderabad, India named TATA Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) to co-produce Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages, aero structures 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.

“The joint venture between Tata and Boeing is a significant step in developing India’s capabilities for aerospace & defense manufacturing and becoming a global exporter. This is a clear example of the significant progress made towards “Make in India for defense,” said Shri. Manohar Parrikar, Union Defence Minister. “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."

“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.

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

“Today’s groundbreaking 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.”

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.