Tata just partnered with Bell Helicopter in a bid to bag $2 bn chopper deal

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is going to enter a partnership with US-based Bell Helicopter to emerge as a leader in the Indian defence aviation sector and race past its rival Mahindra-Airbus for a $2-billion naval chopper manufacturing contract.

The contract for 100 utility helicopters will be awarded under 'Make in India'.

The Indian companies will take it from the front to procure the helicopters with a foreign company as a partner.

TASL will be the lead company in partnership with Bell Helicopter, based in Fort Worth, Texas.

"The TASL tie-up with Bell Helicopter is likely to be announced formally soon. It will make the competition more or less a direct fight between Mahindra and Tata," people involved in the developments told ET.

The number of choppers to be procured can also go up as the Indian Navy is looking to increase its fleet.

In India, TASL is the leading military aviation player.