Cherokee Nation Industries, an aerospace and manufacturing company in Oklahoma, has been awarded a one-year $2.5 million contract for work on 11 S-333 Sikorsky Aircraft helicopters. It will provide the frame assembly for the cockpit of the S-333, as well as the instrument panel.

Chief Bill John Baker, the head of Cherokee Nation Industries, said: “Advanced aerospace manufacturing is a core industry for Oklahoma’s success, and we play an important role in that success. Our capacity and reputation in this highly technical field continue to grow.”

The company was established in 1969 to serve as the ‘economic and workforce arm’ of the Cherokee tribe. It specialises in aerospace and defence manufacturing, telecommunications and distribution services. The company has offices in Stilwell, Tahlequah, Pryor and Tulsa.