Tata Advanced Materials (TAML), a subsidiary of Tata Industries, has been awarded a contract from Boeing to provide composite interior closeout panels for the P-8 Poseidon that cover the interior wall structure of the aircraft. The P-8 — a derivative of the commercial 737-800 — is designed for long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, as well as armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

“This contract is another example of Indian companies becoming part of the global supply chain and manufacturing aerospace parts for the world’s most advanced products,” said Sudhi Ranjan Mukherjee, chief executive officer, TAML.

The contract with Boeing will help strengthen TAML’s position as a partner in the aerostructures segment. It also reinforces the Make in India initiative by the Government of India, which is focused on increasing the country’s manufacturing capabilities, and making India a global manufacturing hub.

TAML is currently under contract to manufacture the P-8 tail cone and auxiliary power unit door fairing out of India. Additionally, TAML works for Dynamatic Technologies in support of the CH-47F Chinook medium-to-heavy lift helicopter, and for P-8 cabinets.

Boeing and various Tata companies have established partnerships in India to manufacture aerostructures for Boeing’s commercial and military aircraft. Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems, have established a joint venture in India to produce AH-64 Apache fuselages, coproduce aerostructures and pursue integrated systems development opportunities in India.

In January 2009, India became the first international customer for the P-8I export variant with a $2.1bn order for eight aircraft. All eight aircraft have since been delivered, and the Indian Navy inducted its first P-8I squadron in November 2015. New Delhi is poised to acquire additional P-8Is, with a contract signature for four aircraft reported to be imminent.