Reliance Defence to partner with France's Daher for aerospace components

Reliance Defence Limited on Thursday said it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Daher Aerospace, France for manufacture of aerospace components.

According to the fully-owned subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, the MoU was signed at the Paris Air Show.

Daher Aerospace is tier-one manufacturer in aerostructures segment comprising fuselage sections and fairings made of composites as well as conventional metals for Dassault Aviation and other leading global aircraft manufacturers.

In India, Dassault has 50 per cent offset obligation for 36 Rafale aircraft, a contract valued close to 8 billion euros. Reliance Defence is a key partner with Dassault Aviation for the largest offset programme so far in India.

"This offers a great opportunity for both the companies to work together for aerospace composites parts manufacturer. There is an increasing demand in aerospace sector for the composite components," the company said in a statement.

"Signing this MOU on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show, Reliance Defence envisages a strategic partnership with Daher with aim to jointly explore opportunities in design and manufacture of composite parts; design and build of welded ducts, metal conduits, swaged pipes and cable harness supports; aerostructure components, integrated logistics, airframes, assemblies and related industrial activities."

The company elaborated that the new facility with Daher Aerospace fosters a comprehensive defence manufacturing eco-system through backward integration under the government's 'Make in India' programme for indigenous manufacturing of aerospace components.

The global demand for composites is estimated to rise from $18 billion to $43 billion by year 2032.