Tata Projects has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canada-based MDS Aero Support Corporation (MDS) to jointly develop and deliver advanced aero-engine testing infrastructure in India.
The partnership brings together Tata Projects’ engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) capabilities with MDS’s expertise in gas turbine engine testing solutions. The companies aim to support the development of testing facilities for India’s expanding aerospace and propulsion sectors.
The collaboration is expected to focus on establishing technology-intensive infrastructure required for the testing and validation of aero-engines and gas turbine systems. Such facilities play an important role in the development of aerospace, defence and aviation programmes.
India’s growing investments in aerospace manufacturing, defence modernisation and indigenous engine development are driving demand for advanced testing capabilities. The partnership between Tata Projects and MDS is intended to strengthen domestic infrastructure for engine testing and support the country’s broader aerospace ecosystem.
Tata Projects brings significant experience in delivering highly specialised testing facilities for India’s strategic programmes, including integrated cryogenic engine and stage testing infrastructure, semi-cryogenic engine test facilities and tri-sonic wind tunnels. Under the partnership, Tata Projects will lead key infrastructure elements including civil and structural works, MEP, high-air-pressure systems, HVAC, high-temperature exhaust systems, cooling-water systems and associated site infrastructure.
MDS will bring its specialised expertise in the design, engineering, supply, integration, commissioning and lifecycle support of advanced gas turbine engine test facilities and systems. Founded in 1985, MDS has delivered gas turbine engine testing projects in more than 27 countries and has developed turnkey test capabilities for engine components through to complete engines across the aviation, defence and industrial markets. MDS solutions are used by leading engine OEMs around the world to develop, validate and certify advanced propulsion technologies.
MDS also brings significant experience in India, where it is currently serving as the lead technology provider and systems integrator for an advanced twin-cell aero-engine development test facility supporting next-generation military propulsion systems. MDS has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2012.
Rajiv Menon, President and Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, Tata Projects, said, “India’s aerospace ecosystem is moving into a new phase, with growing ambitions across aircraft manufacturing, propulsion, testing and advanced technologies. The infrastructure supporting these capabilities will be equally important.”
Menon further said, “Our partnership with MDS brings together two highly complementary capabilities—Tata Projects’ experience in delivering some of India’s most demanding engine-testing and strategic technology facilities, and MDS’s global expertise in gas turbine engine testing. We see this as a significant opportunity to contribute to the infrastructure backbone of India’s emerging aerospace ecosystem and look forward to building this capability together.”
Joe Hajjar, Chief Revenue Officer, MDS Aero Support Corporation, said, “We are pleased to partner with Tata Projects to support the continued development of India’s aerospace and propulsion capabilities. Tata Projects brings deep experience delivering complex infrastructure in India, while MDS brings more than four decades of specialised expertise in aero-engine test facilities and systems. Together, we bring a strong combination of local execution capability and global engine-testing expertise to support India’s growing aerospace sector, while also helping to strengthen aerospace and technology ties between Canada and India. We look forward to building a long-term partnership with Tata Projects.”
The partnership adds a new dimension to Tata Projects’ growing portfolio across aerospace, space, semiconductors, advanced technology facilities and other mission-critical infrastructure, strengthening its role in building the infrastructure for India’s next generation of strategic industries.