Boeing

NEW DELHI, July 8, 2016 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Mahindra Defence Systems today formally opened a center in Gurgaon to provide C-17 training services to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Once fully operational, the new center will be capable of conducting local and multi-site simulations for added realism and more robust training.

“The center, in partnership with Mahindra Defense, is another example of the steps we are taking to contribute to the building of a holistic aerospace ecosystem in support of Make in India,” said Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India. “This demonstrates our commitment to provide reliable support and services for our customers throughout the lifecycle of a product.”

“We are delighted to partner with Boeing in this venture,” said S. P. Shukla, group president, Aerospace & Defence Sector, and chairman, Mahindra Defence Systems. “We have credible expertise in this specialized area of operations and training and we believe this joint endeavor will help deliver the objectives of the government of India and the Indian Air Force of building capabilities indigenously.”

The C-17 training facility, which is located at the Flight Simulation Technique Centre in Gurgaon, will be a full-service location offering instruction to aircrews that operate the 10 C-17 airlifters that Boeing delivered to India in 2014.

The center features a complete training solution for C-17 pilots and loadmasters with advanced simulation, courseware and computer-based training to practice the complete range of tasks required for military airlift operations and humanitarian missions, along with other scenarios such as aerial refueling and emergency procedures.

The facility includes weapons systems and loadmaster station trainers that can be employed individually or networked together to rehearse complete missions. The simulator’s flight deck supports training with night vision goggles for comprehensive mission training.

“Boeing believes that in the coming future, support to aircraft and crews will be a critical element of our partnership to support the IAF’s tactical and operational needs and to create a strong services infrastructure base in India,” said Tim Noonan, vice president of Training Systems and Government Services. “C-17 operators from the IAF will benefit immensely from the full motion state-of-the-art simulator and associated courseware and computer-based training and provides a real world replication of any possible training scenario.”

Boeing is helping Indian partners build a strong aerospace industrial base that is globally competitive. It is rapidly increasing its footprint and investing with companies that are helping create the indigenous aerospace and defense infrastructure and ecosystem envisioned through “Make in India.” In addition, the C-17 fleet has been a vital part of the Indian Air Force strategic airlift capability which has successfully conducted relief and humanitarian missions domestically and internationally.

About Mahindra Aerospace & Defence

Mahindra Aerospace has led the Mahindra Group’s foray into utility aircraft and aerostructure manufacturing since 2008. Its utility aircraft business, based in Australia, currently produces the Airvan 8, the most capable, rugged and versatile utility aircraft in its class. Certified in more than 30 countries, over 220 are in service. Mahindra Aerospace is also developing a next-gen 10-seat turboprop, the Airvan 10. Mahindra Aerostructures based at Bengaluru produces parts, components & sub-assemblies for platforms produced by global OEM majors.

Mahindra Defence has companies engaged in catering to needs of all three wings of Defence forces – Army, Airforce and Navy. Our product range includes armoured vehicles, underwater warfare equipment, radars and surveillance equipment’s etc. Through our Land Systems units in India and UAE we have been supplying customized armoured vehicles to the Indian Army and Para Military Forces and overseas customers. Naval Systems unit based in Pune has been supplying Sea Mines, Decoy launcher & Torpedo launchers, large composite structures for defence applications to the Indian Navy. We are also engaged in Defence Electronics through our Telephonics JV. For more information, visit www.mahindra.com. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MahindraRise and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MahindraRise.

About Boeing

In 2016 Boeing celebrates 100 years of pioneering aviation accomplishments and launches its second century as an innovative, customer-focused aerospace technology and capabilities provider, community partner and preferred employer. Through its Defense, Space & Security unit, Boeing is a global leader in this marketplace and is the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $30 billion business with about 50,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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Contact:

Amrita Dhindsa
Defense, Space & Security
Mobile: +91 96546 06067
amrita.dhindsa@boeing.com

Ashmita Sethi
Boeing India
Mobile: +91 98990 20856
ashmita.sethi@boeing.com

Justin Gibson
Global Services & Support
Office: +1 314-777-7863
Mobile: +1 314-708-6293
justin.l.gibson@boeing.com

Shubhada Dharwadkar
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Office: 91-22-2491 7040
Mobile: +91-7738183486
dharwadkar.shubhada@mahindra.com