Embraer taps HAL, Tata for defence aircraft mfg

livemint.com:

NEW DELHI : Embraer Defense & Security is in talks with five Indian entities, including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Tata group, to manufacture defence transport aircraft in India, a top executive at the Brazilian plane maker said. The company hopes to finalize and announce its partner by the end of this year. “It is important to say we are watching a lot what those big players are doing here in India; we are learning from them; and we are in touch with them as well.

We are talking to four or five companies to discuss the MTA (Medium Transport Aircraft) programme, and these companies are from both the government and private sector," João Bosco da Costa Junior, president and chief executive, Embraer Defense & Security, said in an interview. Replying to a specific query whether Embraer is in talks with HAL or Tata group, Costa Junior said: “I think you are touching some big players... And we are learning from them, and we are in touch with them as well." “No later than end of this year, 23 December, we do expect to announce the partner," added.

He also said the potential partnership could also manufacture commercial aircraft. Mint reported in June that Embraer is in talks with Tata and Mahindra groups, among others, for a commercial aircraft manufacturing partnership for India. Costa Junior added that Embraer is currently visiting the facilities of these companies, which are exploring and evaluating the best match to add value under the make-in-India initiative.

The company is open to any agreement that will propose the best plan and help it penetrate the Indian market. “We would do whatever is needed and win this campaign to serve the Indian Air Force (IAF). We are not here to offer just final assembly or parts