Airbus expands partnership with Tata to bolster India's defence supply chain

By siliconindia  |  Tuesday, 28 November 2023, 10:25:03 AM IST

Airbus expands partnership with Tata to bolster India's defence supply chain
Airbus SAS plans to enhance its partnership with Tata Advanced Systems to diversify India's defence supply chain and introduce new products that meet the country's defence needs. Jorge Tamarit-Degenhardt, who is in charge of the Airbus transport aircraft programme, shared this information as per the report.
The report states that the partnership will include investments in developing various capabilities such as acquiring raw materials, manufacturing detailed parts, and establishing sub-assembly and assembly facilities. The initiative will be implemented in phases, with the initial focus on sourcing components such as metallic and composite manufacturing technologies.
The primary focus in the early stages will be on metallic and composite manufacturing technologies, with a priority on electric harnesses to strengthen India's supply chain. The objective is to meet the demand for military transport aircraft as India replaces its aging military transport fleet.
The Indian Air Force made a significant deal with Airbus in 2021, agreeing to purchase 56 military transport aircraft for a total of Rs 21,395 crore. The two companies' collaboration aims to supply transport aircraft and other defence platforms since the Indian military needs around 100 aircraft. They plan to produce the first India-manufactured aircraft in 2026 and will use their final assembly line in Vadodara, which will start operating by November 2024.
This strategic partnership further aligns with India's efforts to establish a robust domestic defence supply chain, encouraging global defence companies to invest and manufacture in the country. Initiatives like indigenization lists, Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, and defence industrial corridors aim to facilitate foreign firms' entry, support startups, and boost research within India.

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