Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems have formed a joint venture (JV) to manufacture aircraft structures and collaborate on integrated systems development opportunities in India.

The JV will initially create a manufacturing center to produce structures for Boeing's AH-64 Apache helicopter and to compete for additional manufacturing work across Boeing's commercial and defense aircraft platforms.

Tata Advanced Systems Chairman S. Ramadorai (third from left) and Tom Bell, senior vice president, Global Sales & Marketing, Boeing Defense, Space & Security (second from right) sign the agreement to create a joint venture. Boeing International President Marc Allen (second from left), Boeing India President Pratyush Kumar (left) and Tata Advanced Systems CEO Sukaran Singh (right) attended the signing ceremony. Image source: BoeingAccording to Chris Chadwick, CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, the partnership is an attempt to capitalize on India’s growing industrial capability and labor pool. Over the last 12 months, Boeing has doubled its sourcing from India.

In the past five years, Tata Advanced Systems Limited has expanded its role as manufacturing partner for global manufacturers (including Boeing, Airbus and Lockheed Martin) and has capabilities throughout the aerospace sector from design to aircraft assembly.

Among the products Tata's group companies have produced for Boeing are:

• 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 aircraft;
• Floor beams made from composite materials for the 787-9 Dreamliner; and
• Ground support equipment for the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.