Tata Group Ties Up With GE To Make Aircraft Engine Components

The Tata Group has signed an agreement with multinational conglomerate GE to manufacture components for CFM International's LEAP engines in India, which will also serve the U.S. company's global supply chain.

The two companies also announced their intention to jointly pursue military engine and aircraft system opportunities in the country. The joint venture will be executed by Tata Group's aerospace arm, Tata Advanced Systems and GE Aviation.

Under the strategic partnership, GE Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems, will join forces to manufacture, assemble, integrate and test aircraft components. A new centre of excellence will be established to help develop an ecosystem for aircraft engine manufacturing and build related capabilities, the company said.

GE military engines have a strong history in India. It currently provides the jet engines and marine gas turbines for many military applications including the Air Force's light combat aircraft, Tejas MK1, the Navy's P-8i aircraft, and P-17 Shivalik class frigates.

Several military programmes under development that include the Tejas MK2, P-17A & P-71 ships, and the AH-64 attack helicopters will be powered by GE engines.

Tata Advanced Systems provides solutions for aerospace, defence and homeland security. It has also become a significant player in the global aerospace market, becoming the top partner for original equipment manufacturers like Boeing.

The LEAP engine, a product of CFM International, is a joint company of GE and Safran Aircraft Engines. It has over 26 customers who operate more than 140 aircraft. It is among the world's leading jet engine known for its technological superiority, efficient fuel consumption, performance for powering single-aisle commercial jets, Tata Group said in a statement.

The company said the agreement was signed on Nov. 29 in the U.S.

Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran said the group looks forward to working with GE to build more expertise and strengthen the country's defense manufacturing capabilities. "Our partnership with GE will help drive synergies in defense manufacturing and focus on innovation to support our armed forces," Chandrasekaran said.

The collaboration will support the Make in India campaign of the Indian government, said John L Flanner, chairman and chief executive of GE, said in the media statement.