Tata Projects, MDS Partner to Develop Advanced Aero-Engine Testing Infrastructure

Tata Projects and MDS Aero Support Corporation (MDS), a global specialist in gas turbine engine testing solutions, have formalised a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and deliver advanced aero-engine testing infrastructure in India.

The partnership brings together Tata Projects’ proven capabilities in engineering and delivering mission-critical, technology-intensive facilities with MDS’s specialised expertise in gas turbine engine testing. Together, the companies aim to support the development of advanced testing infrastructure for India’s rapidly growing aerospace and propulsion 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. 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.