Talks between Tatas and Lockheed Martin to produce Sikorsky S-76 helicopters in India
Talks between Tatas and Lockheed Martin to produce Sikorsky S-76 helicopters in India
According to rumors, the Tatas and Lockheed Martin are discussing the possibility of building a Sikorsky S-76 aircraft in India. The S-76 is a moderate helicopter frequently used in military and civilian applications globally.
It is used (or was previously used) by the military forces of Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Japan, Britain, and Japan. Thailand is one of the neighbors who use it. Sikorsky is owned by Lockheed Martin, one of the largest defense contractors in the world.
The Indian Air Force contracts with the Tatas to produce 40 C-295 cargo aircraft. According to sources reported in the media, the Indian government knows of the conversations between the two. It is considered an element of the Make in India again for World initiative of the Modi administration. Tatas and Lockheed Martin already have a deal in place.
The Lockheed Martin C-130J transport plane’s components and the F-16 combat plane’s wings are both made by Tata. One of the critical turning points for the Indian aviation industry is if the agreement is approved. According to numerous publications, there are plans to distribute Sikorsky helicopters not only in India but all around the world. Essential details like production figures and project expenses must still be hammered out.
There will be a major percentage of indigenous content, which would benefit smaller component producers, according to citations by Times Now. According to the sources, the transaction will probably be worth several billion dollars. It will be necessary to determine how many are produced and the project’s cost. But there is little question that there’ll be a sizable quantity of domestic content that will support smaller component producers. It may be a multi-billion dollar deal, according to sources.
It should be emphasized that PM Modi will dedicate the much anticipated Tata facility on Sunday in Vadodara. The C-295 transport plane will be produced by it. For the Indian Air Force, TATA Group has a contract to build 40 C-295 cargo aircraft. According to sources reported in the media, the Indian government has realized the conversations between the two.
It is considered a component of the Make in India again for World initiative of the Modi administration. There is already a deal between Lockheed Martin and TATA. TATA produces parts for the Lockheed Martin C-130J cargo plane and the wings for the F-16 combat jet.
One of the critical turning points for the Indian aviation industry is if the agreement is approved. According to big publications, there are plans to market Sikorsky helicopters not only within India but all around the world. Essential details like production figures and project expenses still need to be ironed out.
According to sources quoted by the Economic Times, there will be a significant percentage of indigenous material, which would benefit smaller component producers. According to the sources, the transaction will probably be worth several billion dollars.
 It will be necessary to determine how many would be produced and the project’s cost. But there is little question that there will be a sizable quantity of domestic content that will support smaller element producers. It may be a multi-billion dollar deal, according to sources.
It should be underlined that Prime Minister Modi will dedicate the highly expected TATA factory on Sunday in Vadodara. By paying for F-16 wings in India, TASL will be better able to meet the world’s demand for fighter planes and promote “Make in India.” The Government of India’s decision to choose the F-16 again for the Indian Air Force is not a requirement for the proposed transfer of F-16 wing production to India.
Chief Executive and Managing Director of TASL Sukaran Singh stated, “We are pleased with Lockheed Martin’s choice of Tata Advanced Systems Company for the fabrication of F-16 wing in India. This establishes TASL as a potential future global supplier of F-16 attachments.
TASL and Lockheed Martin produced the airframe parts for the C-130J airplane and the S-92 Sikorsky helicopters at the Hyderabad site through a long-standing joint venture. This development presents us with another fantastic opportunity to present our technological know-how and advanced capabilities development as we reaffirm our dedication to the Indian and international aerospace industries.
 India will become the hub of the world’s extensive fighter aircraft ecosystem and a top location for aerospace manufacture if the F-16 wings are produced there for global use.
This would be the second major agreement between the two businesses if approved, as Lockheed Martin and the Tata Group now have contracts for producing F-16 aircraft wings and C-130 aircraft parts. Initial indications indicate that there would be many chances for small domestic businesses with the Sikorsky S76.
The agreement is expected to majorly advance the government’s goals of developing India and making it self-sufficient in the defense industry. It is the first helicopter produced by Sikorsky specifically for the military and is widely regarded as highly dependable in defense and non-defense operations.
These helicopters are currently in high demand for the maritime sector and VIP transportation. Britain, Japan, Spain, and Saudi Arabia’s forces all used it simultaneously.
Edited by Prakriti Arora
