Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bell Helicopter have signed an agreement to work together in support of India’s aviation and defence modernization initiatives.

Under the agreement, TASL and Bell Helicopter will join forces to develop both commercial and government/military rotary wing markets in India in the Light Utility and Reconnaissance segments.

The scope of the agreement is intended to include potential production and assembly capabilities, certain training and maintenance, repair and overhaul requirements, as well as research and development programmes and technology-sharing designed to boost industrial capabilities and result in innovative “Make in India” solutions.

TASL is already established as a major manufacturing partner for global OEMs. It has teamed with Airbus Group to supply 56 C295s for the Indian Air Force and with Boeing to produce aerostructures for AH-64 Apache helicopters. Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures manufactures airframe components for the C-130J. TASL also supplies refuelling pods for the A330 MRTT via Cobham.

In 2004, Textron opened an engineering and technology center in Bangalore that employs more than 130 Bell Helicopter engineers. Bell Helicopter also has a sales office in New Delhi.