Dynamatic Technologies and Cobham Plc in manufacturing pact for bomb carrier

Bangalore: Dynamatic Aerospace, a division of Dynamatic Technologies Ltd, has announced that it has acquired the rights to manufacture the CBLS 2000 practice bomb carrier for the Indian and export markets from Cobham Plc. Dynamatic Technologies is a recognised leader, and also, one of the pioneering private Indian companies in the development of complex aero-structures.

As per the memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides, Dynamatic Aerospace will manufacture the CBLS 2000 practice bomb carrier for the Indian as well as the export markets. The memorandum of understanding was signed on 8 February at the ongoing Aero India 2007 show.

CEO, managing director, Dynamatic Technologies, Udayant Malhoutra, stressed that the agreement with Cobham was important for the private aerospace manufacturing industry in the country as it allows manufacture for both the domestic as well as the export markets. According to Malhoutra, the agreement provided a rare opportunity for a private sector company in India to showcase aerospace products in the international markets.

Speaking to the media Allan Cook, CEO, Cobham said, "This is our first strategic alliance with private industry in India and is the start of a long and fruitful relationship with Dynamatic. We are delighted to have reached this agreement as the first of what we believe will be many other opportunities to work together in a true industrial partnership."

"In addition the two Companies are in detailed discussions regarding partnering in other business areas for the Indian defence forces. Cobham Air Refuelling & Auxiliary Mission Equipment designs and manufactures mission systems for aerospace and defence and has been supplying the Indian market for over 20 years," added Cook.

According to Malhoutra, the agreement will benefit Dynamatic by giving it access to the Cobham Weapons Carriage and Release portfolio. In turn, the deal will benefit Cobham by providing it with a larger market, and also, a low cost manufacturing base.

Over the past decade, Dynamatic has worked with the ministry of defence, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), and other Indian defence establishments on key projects including India's Pilotless Target Aircraft (Lakshya), the HJT-36 Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) and the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter bomber.

According to Dynamatics, it has the largest infrastructure in the private sector for manufacture of exacting airframe structures and precision aerospace components. It also says that it is the first time that such capabilities have been built by the private sector. With collaborative deals, such as that with Cobham, it will now seek to consolidate its position in the country and abroad.

Meanwhile, British systems supplier Cobham says that as per its estimates, business in India may well grow five-fold, at least, over the next few years. Such growth is likely to occur on the back of an ever-burgeoning aviation and aerospace sector in the country.

According to company officials, business in India may well achieve $50 million levels per annum over the next few years. Cobham has sales of $2 billion a year, and is best known for its in-flight refueling, antennas and communications businesses.

The company, which has recently opened its office here, is not a newcomer to the country however. It entered the Indian market some 25 years ago supplying weapons-release equipment for combat aircraft. As of now, it does business between $10 million and $15 million of business annually across several business sectors.

According to company officials, booming areas in the country, like helicopters, space and unmanned vehicles offer large potential for Cobham. Currently, it hopes to build on its recognised competency in areas, such as in-flight refueling, vehicle communications, antennas, flight instruments and advanced composite designs.

Cobham is also tapping into the Indian market for different reasons. It is using Indian software capability to power its businesses elsewhere.