US Helicopter giant Sikorsky has said it is in talks with the Indian Navy for purchase of 16 helicopters.

The company, which has a joint venture with the Tatas to manufacture helicopter cabins, also said it is looking at co-development opportunities with other Indian partners as well.

“Sikorsky is bidding for the Indian Navy's requirement and have offered S70B helicopter for anti-submarine warfare. Trials have been completed and final tenders will be opened by the end of this month. Also, the Indian Coast Guard is looking for eight helicopters for its search-and-rescue missions and we are making a pitch for it as well,” Mr Mark F. Miller, Vice-President, Research and Engineering, Sikorsky told Business Line .

Sikorsky, a subsidiary of the US-based United Technologies, operates two manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad — TASL (Tata Advanced Systems), a helicopter cabin making venture with the Tata Group in which it owns 26 per cent stake, and Tara Aerospace Systems, which manufactures helicopters components.

“We are putting together cohesive strategies for making commercial products out of India. It will give us advantage for our supply chain. We have found capabilities, talent and demand here and are scouting for more such tie-ups. Our venture will be able to make three helicopter cabins a month by the first quarter of 2013,” he said.

Industry estimates domestic demand at more than 2,000 helicopters over the next 10-15 years, valued at $25 billion.

bindu.menon@thehindu.co.in

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