Mahindra Aerostructures first Indian company to bag contract from Airbus helicopters as Tier I supplier

Mahindra Aerostructures is the first Indian company to receive a contract from Airbus Helicopters as Tier I supplier.Airbus Helicopters has entered into an agreement with Mahindra Aerostructures for the production of airframe parts for the AS565 MBe Panther. This agreement which is a part of a long term ‘Make in India’ partnership was revealed in a joint press release on Tuesday.

Mahindra Aerostructures will produce these parts at the company facility in Bengaluru from where they will be shipped directly to Airbus productions line in Marignance, France.The value of this contract remains undisclosed even as Airbus Helicopters and Mahindra state the parts will form a critical part of Panther military helicopters sold across the globe.

AS565 MBe Panther is competing for the naval utility helicopter program and if selected by the Indian Government, India will be the global hub for the production of parts in a joint venture between Airbus Helicopters and Mahindra Defence Systems Limited.

Panther helicopters are all weather, multi-role, and light rotocrafts, specially designed for operations from ship decks and off shore locations besides land sites. They are designed for troop transportation, logistic support and medical evacuation.

It has the capacity to transport 10 commandos while for medical evacuation it can accommodate upto 4 patients and a doctor. As on date, Airbus Helicopters has 21 Panther MBes on order which includes 11 for Indonesia and 10 for Mexico.

This article has first appeared in Rushlane.com