Airbus is planning to enhance its partnership with Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) to expand India's defence supply chain as well as introduce new products aligning with the country's defence requirements.

The programme will unfold in phases, with the primary focus in the initial stage being on metallic and composite manufacturing technologies, along with electric harnesses. With this, the goal is to meet the demand for military transport aircraft as India moves towards replacing its ageing military transport fleet.

The partnership between Airbus and Tata is for investing in developing capabilities, including acquiring raw materials and manufacturing detailed parts or subcomponents, along with setting up sub-assembly and assembly facilities.

Moreover, this strategic alliance further aligns with the country’s efforts to encourage global defence companies to invest and manufacture in India. Airbus seeks to leverage the supply chain for various defence platforms beyond transport aircraft.