Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bell Helicopter have signed an agreement to work together in support of India’s aviation and defence modernisation initiatives with an emphasis on ‘Make in India’.

Under this agreement TASL and Bell Helicopter will join forces to develop both commercial and government (including military) rotary-wing markets in India in the light utility and reconnaissance segments. The scope of this 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 that will grow industrial capabilities and result in innovative ‘Make in India’ solutions.

“TASL’s alliance with Bell Helicopter is significant because of our shared synergies, our defence manufacturing capabilities and focus on innovation are well aligned with Bell Helicopter’s core competence. This will build on the partnerships that TASL already has in the rotorcraft market allowing it to offer a full range of products to potential customers. The collaboration, which is in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, holds potential not only in the domestic market but will also strengthen India’s position in the international market,” said S. Ramadorai, Chairman of TASL.

“TASL has been a leader in driving industrial growth in India, and its organisation ideally complements Bell Helicopter both in terms of innovative thinking, manufacturing capability and a commitment to business ethics, integrity and customer satisfaction,” said Mitch Snyder, President and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “We are honoured to build on our relationship with TASL to leverage its experience and knowledge to customise, integrate and manufacture specific local Bell Helicopter solutions for India.”