HYDERABAD: Tara JV, the joint entity of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, has applied for a licence to manufacture components and assemble helicopters for the Indian Navy.
According to Sikorsky, Tara will set up an assembly line for Sea Hawk and Black Hawk choppers, once the ministry of defence grants the licence and if it bags orders from the Navy or Defence.
“We expect our application to be cleared in the second quarter of this financial year,” said Steve Estill, vice-president (strategic partnerships), Sikorsky. The US-based manufacturer is one of the two firms shortlisted to supply 16 multi-role choppers to the Indian armed forces.
“We expect to be L1 for this contract, which is pegged at about $1 billion. The other manufacturer to be shortlisted is NH Industries. We hope to hear from the ministry on opening of bids in 2 weeks,” said Arvind Walia, executive vice-president(India), Sikorsky.