Tata Boeing Aerospace delivers first fuselage for Indian Army AH-64 Apache
- First of six Apache helicopters on order with the Indian Army
- Underscores continued commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India
Hyderabad, January 19. Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) has delivered the first fuselage for six AH-64 Apache attack helicopters ordered by the Indian Army from its state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad.
“This is a proud milestone and a testimony of our commitment towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the world-class manufacturing capabilities at our joint venture Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited at Hyderabad. The Apache will provide the Indian Army with a significant boost in capability just as the AH-64 has for the Indian Air Force,” said Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India. Boeing had completed the deliveries of all 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters to the Indian Air Force in 2020.
TBAL’s 14,000 sq. m.facility in addition to being a global sole source supplier for Apache fuselages, produces complex aero-structures for Boeing 737 and 777 models. The joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced systems Limited (TASL)employs over 900 engineers and technicians and utilizes cutting-edge robotics, automation and advanced aerospace concepts in its manufacturing processes.
“Successful delivery of the first fuselage for Boeing AH-64 Apache combat helicopters for Indian Army is the result of the hard work and seamless collaboration of the teams at TBAL, India. This delivery also positions TBAL and India as an important manufacturing base in overall Boeing operations. We stay committed towards progression of indigenous defence manufacturing with strong focus on the quality and timely delivery,” said, Sukaran Singh, Managing director and chief executive officer, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
TBAL has produced and supplied Boeing’s Apache final assembly plant in Mesa, Arizona with over 190 fuselages. More than 90 percent of the parts used in these aerostructures assemblies are manufactured within India through over 100 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) suppliers in support of the government’s vision for Make in India. Tata Group recently won the “Supplier of the year” award 2022 from Boeing, from among more than 11,000 suppliers worldwide.
With more than 1,275AH-64 Apaches in operation accumulating over 4.9 million flight hours globally, 1.3 million of which have been in combat, the attack helicopter holds the reputation of being the world’s most advanced and proven attack helicopter.
About Tata Advanced Systems
TASL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons and is a leading private sector player in India in Aerospace and Defence with a focus on Aerostructures, Defence, Homeland Security and Disaster Management. TASL has a strong portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defence firms (such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Sikorsky, GE, etc.) making it an integral partner in the international supply chain and in some instances, a global single source provider for leading defence OEMs.
About Boeing:
Boeing’s advanced aircraft and services play an important role in the mission-readiness for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Boeing has strengthened its supply chain with more than 300 local companies in India and a joint venture to manufacture fuselages for Apache helicopters. Annual sourcing from India stands at $1 billion. Boeing currently employs over5,000 people in India, and an additional 13,000 through over 300 Indian partners. Boeing serves communities and citizenship programs to inspire change and make an impact on more than 500,000 lives in India. For more information, visit www.boeing.co.in.
