400 Apache Fuselages Made in India: Tata-Boeing Marks Major Aerospace Milestone

A major milestone for India’s aerospace manufacturing sector has been reached as Tata Boeing Aerospace Ltd. (TBAL) rolls out its 400th fuselage for the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter from its facility in Hyderabad.

The Tata Advanced Systems–Boeing joint venture manufactures Apache fuselages in India, which are then integrated into complete helicopters for customers around the world. The achievement highlights India’s growing role in the global aerospace and defence supply chain.

Importantly, these Indian-made fuselages are not only for India’s Apache fleet. TBAL components have been incorporated into Apaches supplied to the US Army and other international customers, making the Hyderabad facility part of a major global defence programme.

TBAL was established in 2016 as part of the Boeing-Tata partnership and reached its 300th Apache fuselage milestone in February 2025. The latest production achievement demonstrates how rapidly India’s high-end aerospace manufacturing capabilities are expanding.

India itself operates 28 Apache helicopters — 22 with the Indian Air Force and six received by the Indian Army in 2025.

The AH-64E Apache is designed for missions including armed reconnaissance, close air support and anti-armour operations.

The Apache programme is also part of a broader push by Tata Advanced Systems to expand India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. Recently, TASL signed an MoU with the Javelin Joint Venture, formed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, to explore co-production of Javelin missiles in India.

From aircraft structures to advanced defence systems, India’s aerospace industry is increasingly moving from simply being a buyer to becoming a key manufacturer and global supplier.