Towards the end of last year, GE (www.ge.com) and Tata Group (www.tata.com) signed an agreement for the manufacture of CFM International LEAP engine components in India (the LEAP engine is used to power single-aisle commercial jets).

They also announced their intention to jointly pursue military-engine and aircraft-system opportunities in the Indian market.

John Flannery, chairman and CEO of GE, said: “Tata Group is a leader in the Indian defence and aerospace sector, and we look forward to working together to meet the growing demand for LEAP engines.

"Our collaboration in building innovative technologies will support the ‘Make in India’ vision of the Indian government.”

N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, said: “We look forward to working with GE to build more expertise and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

"Tata group’s partnership with GE will help to further develop synergies in defence manufacturing and focus on innovation to support our armed forces.”

Under the strategic partnership, GE Aviation and Tata Sons’ subsidiary — Tata Advanced Systems Ltd — will join forces for the manufacture, assembly, integration and testing of aircraft components.

A new Centre of Excellence will be established to help develop a “robust system” for aircraft engine manufacturing in India.

GE military engines have a strong history in India, with the company currently providing the jet engines and marine gas turbines for many Indian military applications; these include the Air Force Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas Mk 1, Indian Navy P-8I aircraft, and P-17 Shivalik class frigates.

Several programmes under development will be powered by GE engines, including the Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas Mk 2, P-17A and P-71 ships, and the AH-64 attack helicopter.