A MoU to collaborate on the production of aerostructures parts and assemblies has been signed at the Paris Air Show, between Elbit Systems – Cyclone (Cyclone) of Israel and Mahindra Aerostructures of India. Under this arrangement, Cyclone will source content for its existing work packages from Mahindra, and the two companies will also team up on new work opportunities, leveraging each other’s strengths, capacities and capabilities. Mahindra currently operates a large aerostructures manufacturing facility near Bengaluru. The plant produces parts for its global customer base, which includes OEMs and Tier Is, and is also exporting primary structural assemblies for the Mahindra Airvan 8 aircraft.
Cyclone, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, serves as Elbit Systems’ design and manufacturing centre for composite and metal structural aircraft assemblies and parts for leading aerospace companies and OEMs. Cyclone’s customer base includes Boeing (commercial and military), Bombardier, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Spirit Aerosystems, Sikorsky, Textron Aviation, Triumph and others. Over the last five decades, Cyclone has designed and produced unique assemblies for civil and military aircraft.
S P Shukla, chairman, Mahindra Aerospace and group president – aerospace and defence, Mahindra Group, said, “Both entities are part of large business houses with diversified yet complementary interests in aerospace and defence. With this first step of collaboration, we expect to offer robust and cost-effective options for global customers, and also address the ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the Indian government.”
“Mahindra Aerospace has always believed in the power of collaboration within the industry to provide our customers with best-cost solutions that creatively combine our capabilities and technical strengths. Cyclone and Mahindra have a lot to offer to each other, and we are bullish on the potential of our journey together,” said Arvind Mehra, executive director and CEO, Mahindra Aerospace (parent of Mahindra Aerostructures).
Yoram Shmuely, executive vice president and general manager (aerospace division), Elbit Systems, commented, “We are focused on satisfying our customers, and we strongly believe that this cooperation will provide solutions of optimal affordability.”
“Cyclone has worked continuously to expand its foot print in new markets to meet its growth goals. The agreement with Mahindra is a step forward in that direction, and we are eager to build upon this partnership to provide more value to our combined customer-base. With this collaboration, we anticipate expanding our activity in India,” added David Vidan, general manager, Elbit Systems-Cyclone.
