BENGALURU: Reliance Defence Limited and UAE-based Strata Manufacturing PJSC (Strata) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on advanced aerospace manufacturing capabilities between India and the UAE.
Strata, the advanced composite aerostructures manufacturing company, is wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company, the UAE. Reliance Defence Limited is a wholly owned Subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure Limited.
The potential partnership will look at opportunities in the production of Carbon Fibre Composites Aerostructures, Prepregs as well as 3D printing of aerospace components and airframe panels, a Reliance release said.
The collaboration is in line with Strata’s vision to become one of the top aerospace companies globally, it said.
Badr Al Olama, CEO of Strata, said they are keen to grow their capabilities globally with Reliance and expand their operational footprint by capitalising on innovative, cost-effective solutions that can benefit their customers whilst enhancing the company's financial performance.
Working together with Reliance, "we see a significant opportunity that can lead to the creation of a new tier-one global supplier: designing, developing and manufacturing major aircraft components - such as wings and empennages - for the next generation of aircrafts," he said.
Rajesh K Dhingra, President, Reliance Defence & Aerospace, said :"India’s composites industry is at a nascent stage and projected to reach Four Lakh metric tons by 2020." The project has the potential to bring in significant foreign direct investment and cutting edge technology in this niche composite aircraft manufacturing segment.
Under the MoU, Strata and Reliance will consider new opportunities in the commercial aerospace market, address the emerging market for 3D printing of aircraft components and obsolescence management and consider other areas of growth related to both the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and "Make in India" initiative.