Tata aerospace firm to make missile components

Tata Son`s security and defence arm Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) will make components for Stinger air defence missile with the US-based Raytheon Company, said the aerospace firm on Friday.

"TASL will produce components of the Stinger missile used for surface-to-air and air-to-air applications against airborne targets," said TASL after entering into a deal on the margins of the biennial Aero India 2017 expo here.

As a man-portable air-defence system, Stinger operates as an infrared homing surface-to-air (SAM) missile. It can be adapted to fire from ground vehicles and helicopters.

The collaboration with the $24-billion aerospace major (Rayatheon) is another partnership for TASL in the defence and aerospace sector.

"We hope to become a key contributor to the Stinger for India," said TASL Chief Executive Officer Sukaran Singh in the statement.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will equip its AH-64 Apache helicopters with the Stinger when inducted into the service.

The combination of supersonic speed, agility, accurate guidance and control system and lethal warhead gives Stinger the operational edge against helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, and fixed-wing aircraft.

"Stinger also has an air-to-air capability for integrating into most fixed-or rotary-wing platforms.