Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Bell Helicopter will collaborate with New Delhi, India-based Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) 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,  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, reports Defense-Aerospace.com.

“TASL has been a leader in driving industrial growth in India, and its organization 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 honored to build on our relationship with TASL to leverage its experience and knowledge to customize, integrate and manufacture specific local Bell Helicopter solutions for India.”

Bell Helicopter has been supplying helicopters to India for more than six decades, and currently there are more than 90 Bell aircraft operating throughout India in several sectors including commercial, civil/government, and military operations.

“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 of Tata Advanced Systems Ltd.