Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT) company have signed an agreement to work together in support of India’s aviation and defense 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 programs 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 defense 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, TASL.

TASL is focused on providing integrated solutions for Aerospace, Defense and Homeland Security. It has become a significant player in the global aerospace market, becoming the premier manufacturing partner for global OEMs. It has capabilities throughout the aerospace value chain from design to full aircraft assembly, and is well positioned in other areas that include missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, command and control systems, optronics and homeland security.

“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.”

Known for its industry-leading support and service, Bell Helicopter has been supplying helicopters to India for more than six decades – in fact, the first Bell Helicopter was delivered into the country in 1953. Today, there are more than 90 Bell aircraft operating throughout India in several sectors including commercial, civil / government, and military operations.

Bell Helicopter opened a liaison office in India in 1995, and since then has been providing customer support to customers in the region with dedicated customer service engineers and its authorised customer service facility. In 2004, Textron Inc opened an engineering and technology center in Bengaluru that employs more than 130 Bell Helicopter engineers working various programmes. Bell Helicopter also has a sales office in New Delhi.