‘Make in India’ program lifts off with Chinook helicopter parts for Boeing

Bangalore-based Dynamatic Technologies has just produced its first set of critical parts – the aft pylon and cargo ramp – for Boeing’s Chinook helicopter. The plant to manufacture Chinook parts in India was set up in September last year, and this is its first rollout.

Soon after he came to power in India, prime minister Narendra Modi promised to clear the path for global companies to use India as a manufacturing hub. The delivery of Chinook parts is a significant milestone in this ‘Make in India’ initiative, because strategic industries like aerospace and defence have traditionally been closed to foreign participation.

Bangalore is an aerospace hub with both the National Aeronautical Laboratory and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) being located there. ISRO launched an orbiter mission to Mars in September last year.

The Chinook deal, however, marks a step-up in the business of aerospace.

“The Chinook is an advanced helicopter requiring complex manufacturing processes, and this Make-in-India capability demonstrates that Indian companies can deliver high standards of quality and productivity within a competitive cost structure that is essential for the aerospace sector,” says Dennis Swanson, vice president of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, India, in a statement.

“Boeing has invested considerably in development, training, tooling, and quality systems, working closely with us in establishing advanced manufacturing capabilities in India,” adds Udayant Malhoutra, CEO and managing director of Dynamatic Technologies.

The production of parts in India for a Boeing helicopter sold globally is likely to catalyse more such manufacturing partnerships, taking advantage of India’s pool of tech talent.

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