Tata Advanced Systems tied up with Bell Helicopter of the US to compete against the Mahindra-Airbus combination for a $2-billion naval chopper manufacturing contract. They agreed to jointly develop the helicopter market in India, including potential production and assembly, training, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), research and development (R&D) and technology sharing.

Here are the key points of this deal:

1. 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.
2. The agreement covers both commercial and government (including military) rotary wing markets in the light utility and reconnaissance segments.
3. The agreement seeks to support of India’s aviation and defence modernization initiatives with an emphasis on ‘Make in India’.
4. The mega-contract for 100 utility helicopters to be operated from warships will be awarded as a ‘Make in India’ project. Tata formed a joint venture with Bell to bid for the contract under existing foreign direct investment norms.
5. Tata Advanced Systems is focused on providing solutions for aerospace, defence and homeland security. It has become a significant player in the global aerospace market and has capabilities throughout the aerospace value chain, from design to assembling full aircraft.
6. The firm is well placed in other areas, which includes missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, command and control systems.
7. Bell Helicopter, which was founded in 1935, delivers more than 35,000 aircraft to its customers across the globe.