UAE-based Strata Manufacturing has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with India’s Reliance Defence (RDL) to explore new production opportunities for carbon-fibre composite aerostructures in the commercial aerospace market.

As part of the deal, the partnership will also try to develop prepegs and 3D printing of aerospace components and airframe panels, as well as address various aspects of UAE’s Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the Indian Government ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Reliance defence and aerospace president Rajesh Dhingra said: “The project has the potential to bring in significant foreign direct investment and cutting-edge technology in this niche composite aircraft manufacturing segment.

“3D printing enables us to produce assembly and machining fixtures in one-quarter the time and at one-half the cost as conventional machining.”

"The project has the potential to bring in significant foreign direct investment and cutting-edge technology."

In addition, RDL is planning to build a new facility to support its aerospace goals in Dhirubhai Ambani Aerospace Park at Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN), India.

Strata Manufacturing CEO Badr Al Olama said: “The collaboration between the UAE and India has been instrumental in promoting knowledge transfer and strengthening ties between businesses to jointly invest in developing world-class products.

“Working together with Reliance, we see a significant opportunity that can lead to the creation of a new tier-one global supplier: designing, developing and manufacturing major aircraft components such as wings and empennages- for the next generation of aircrafts.”

The company is currently involved in the production of advanced composite aerostructures.