Boeing directly employs more than 5,000 people in India, and another 13,000 through more than 300 Indian partners
By Vikas Gupta
Defence News of India, 20 January 23
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a Hyderabad-based joint venture (JV) between Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and The Boeing Company, on Thursday delivered the first fuselage of six AH-64 Apache attack helicopters ordered by the Indian army.
TBAL produced and supplied 190 Apache airframes to Boeing’s Apache Final Assembly Plant in Mesa, Arizona. More than 90% of the parts used in these aerostructure assemblies are manufactured in India by more than a hundred micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), supporting the government’s Make in India vision.
Tata Group recently won Boeing’s 2022 “Supplier of the Year” award, beating out more than 11,000 suppliers worldwide.
There are over 1,275 Apaches in operation worldwide. They have accumulated more than 4.9 million flight hours, including 1.3 million in combat. The Apache attack helicopter has a reputation as the deadliest attack helicopter in the world.
Boeing previously supplied 22 Apache AH-64E helicopters to the IAF. He is now handling an order from the Indian Army for six Apaches.
The Apache will provide the Indian Army with a significant capability boost, just as the AH-64 did for the Indian Air Force,” said Salil Gupte, who heads Boeing India. Boeing had completed deliveries of the 22 Apache AH-64E helicopters to the Indian Air Force in 2020.
TBAL’s 14,000 square meter facility is a one-stop global supplier for Apache airframes and produces complex aerostructures for Boeing 737 and 777 models.
The Boeing – TASL joint venture employs more than 900 engineers and technicians and uses advanced robotics, automation and advanced aerospace concepts in its manufacturing processes.
India has purchased four types of advanced aircraft from Boeing: the C-17 Globemaster III, the P-8I Poseidon multirole maritime mission aircraft, and the Chinook and Apache helicopters.
Boeing has strengthened its supply chain in India with more than 300 local companies and the TABL joint venture to manufacture airframes for Apache helicopters. The annual supply from India is $1 billion.
Boeing currently employs more than 5,000 people in India and another 13,000 through more than 300 Indian partners.
