Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Tata’s Defence Arm Marks 400th Apache Fuselage Milestone
Tata’s defence company has made its 400th body section for the Apache attack helicopter.
These fuselages are built at a large factory in Hyderabad.
The finished fuselages are later joined with other parts to make complete helicopters.
Some of the helicopters are used by the Indian Army and the US Army.
Tata made its first Apache fuselage in 2018.
The company began its aerospace journey in 2006 without major defence contracts.
It later made parts for Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin and Boeing aircraft.
Tata also became involved in India’s C295 aircraft programme with Airbus.
Now, the company wants to help develop India’s next-generation fighter aircraft.
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited has rolled out its 400th AH-64E Apache fuselage in Hyderabad.
The 52,000-square-metre facility supplies fuselages for aircraft used by customers worldwide, including the US Army.
TBAL delivered its first Apache fuselage on 1 June 2018, averaging about 48 fuselages annually since then.
Tata’s aerospace and defence expansion began in 2006 and later included partnerships with Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Airbus.
Tata Advanced Systems is now bidding for India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme.
- Who
- Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, a joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
- What
- The company rolled out its 400th fuselage for the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter.
- When
- The first Apache fuselage was supplied on 1 June 2018; the article does not specify the date of the 400th rollout.
- Where
- At TBAL’s 52,000-square-metre facility in Hyderabad, India.
- Why
- The production followed India’s 2015 Apache contract, which included an offset clause, and a subsequent Boeing-Tata manufacturing partnership.
- 400th fuselage
- AH-64E Apache fuselage rolled out by Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited
- Facility
- 52,000-square-metre manufacturing site in Hyderabad
- First delivery
- 1 June 2018
- Production pace
- Approximately 48 fuselages per year, or four per month, since the first delivery
- Indian Army Apaches
- Six helicopters supplied with fuselages manufactured in India
- Indian Air Force Apaches
- The Indian Air Force separately operates 22 AH-64E Apaches
- C295 programme
- India ordered 56 aircraft from Airbus; 40 are to be manufactured and assembled in India by Tata