BEL, Pilatus To Establish Electrical Harness Facility In India

Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Pilatus Aircraft have announced the launch of an offset project to establish an electrical harness manufacturing capability at BEL’s Bangalore Complex.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Switzerland entered into a contract with the Government of India in 2012 for the supply of 75 PC-7 MkII turboprop basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force. The contract includes an integrated ground based training system, a comprehensive logistics support package and a 30 per cent offset obligation. Pilatus has taken the offset obligation as a major opportunity to The partnership between BEL and Pilatus dates back to 2010 when both the companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on an offset-related basic trainer aircraft requirement for the Indian Air Force. It culminated in BEL and Pilatus concluding an agreement for the production of certain aircraft electrical cable looms in 2013.

The project includes transfer of technology in the form of tooling, jigs and training of BEL’s personnel at Pilatus in Switzerland and India. The first phase of training in Switzerland was successfully completed in June 2013. The training at BEL’s facilities in Bangalore is scheduled to be completed by this year end. Pilatus will continue to provide support as and when required until the capability is established at BEL.