MRF developed tyres cleared for use by defence ministry

Chennai: Indian tyre manufacturer MRF said Thursday it had developed tyres for use in the aviation sector and that the product had also been approved by the defence ministry. "The product is the outcome of our research and development unit at Chennai. The defence ministry after vigorous tests has approved our product," chairman, KM Mammen, informed the media here.

The manufacturing facility for these tyres would come up at the company's Medak factory in Andhra Pradesh, at an initial investment of Rs150 crore.

"We were asked by the Defence Ministry whether we can produce aviation tyres three years back. We took it as a challenge and have now come out with the tyre. This will reduce defence ministry's dependence on imports," Mammen said.

The Centre for Military Airworthiness Certification has cleared the use of these tyres for the HAL-built Chetak helicopters.

Pointing out that the project had strategic importance, Mammen said the central government ought to consider funding the project, at least partially. Nevertheless, the company could start production even now at its existing Arakkonam factory, where the prototype tyre was manufactured, he added.