New Delhi: In a boost to indigenous defence industry, the Tatas are in talks with Lockheed Martin for manufacturing Sikorsky S-76 helicopter in India, media reports said.
The S-76 is a medium-sized helicopter widely put to both civilian and military use in many countries. The armed forces of Britain, Japan, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Argentina use it.
Lockheed Martin, one of the world’s biggest defence manufacturers, owns Sikorsky. The Tatas have a contract to make 40 C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
The Indian government is aware of the discussions between the two, according to sources cited in the media. It is being seen as part of Modi government’s Make in India for the World plan.
Lockheed Martin and Tatas already are in a contract. The Tatas manufacture the wings for the F-16 fighter aircraft and components for the C-130 transport aircraft.
If the deal goes through, it will be one of the biggest milestones for Indian aviation manufacturing. As per various reports, there are plans to sell Sikorsky helicopters not just in India but all over the world.
Key aspects such as production numbers and project cost have yet to be worked out. According to sources, “there will be a considerable amount of indigenous content that will help smaller manufacturers of components.”
It is likely to be a multi-billion dollar deal, the sources added. It may be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the much-hyped Tata plant on October 30 in Vadodara. It will make the S-295 transport aircraft.
