Boeing, Tata announce joint Indian facility

HYDERABAD, India, June 20 (UPI) -- Tata Advanced Systems and Boeing are opening a joint facility in India to co-produce AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages, Tata announced Saturday.

The Hyderabad facility will also produce other aerostructures and pursue integrated aerospace systems, the company said in a statement.

That facility will eventually be the sole producer of AH-64 fuselages globally, the company said.

"The joint venture between Tata and Boeing is a significant step in developing India's capabilities for aerospace and defense manufacturing and becoming a global exporter, Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar said.

Boeing and Tata announced the joint venture in November.

Other partnerships between the two companies include Tata delivering composite panels for the P-8l long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Tata has also manufactured complex floor beams out of composite materials for the Boeing 787-9 and ground support equipment for the C-17 Globemaster III, Tata said.

India's cabinet approved the purchase of 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters made by Boeing for $2.5 billion in September.

The 37 new helicopters are to replace India's aging Soviet-era aircraft. The Indian air force tapped both aircraft for purchase in 2012, but India's budget did not yet allow for a transaction.