Saab and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS) have signed a letter of intent regarding establishment of an Aeronautical Design and Development Centre (ADDC) in India.

The vision for the centre is to serve the global aeronautical market. The centre will create design and development capabilities within India for both military and civil aeronautical applications. This would be a long term relationship with Saab undertaking to transfer technology and competencies in the aerospace sector. The design and development centre will address market opportunities in areas such as aero structures, aero systems, avionics and after market support.

This co-operation will also allow Saab to set a footprint in India together with TCS to capture the opportunities emerging in the aerospace and defence sector.

"This co-operation is not limited to any specific product but is aimed towards building a joint capability to leverage collective strengths across the globe," says Saab CEO Åke Svensson.

"This partnership has a strong blend of Saab's technology solutions and TCS global engineering model to address the growing opportunities in the aerospace and defence sector." says Mr. S Ramadorai, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TCS.

Tata Industrial Services Limited (TISL), which oversees and monitors contracts, was instrumental in forging this co-operation. Ms.Uma Pillai, Managing Director of TISL, says "the formation of ADDC is the first step in harnessing the potential of two global organizations in the aerospace and defence sector. "

Saab views India as an important, fast growing key market with a procurement plan that fits well into Saabs portfolio. Saab believes in local participation and has a business model with a built-in mindset of co-operation with local industries and transfer of technology. Saab has offered Gripen as one of the contenders in India's MMRCA (Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) procurement process.