Companies will work together to provide Indian military simulation and training solutions
NEW DELHI, India (Oct. 7, 2014) - Rockwell Collins and Zen Technologies announced today that the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to combine their strengths in simulation and training to offer industry-leading, high fidelity solutions to Indian military customers.
Rockwell Collins, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with facilities in Hyderabad and near New Delhi, provides world-class aviation simulation and training products, systems and integration solutions. Zen Technologies, based in Hyderabad, India, specializes in supplying industry-leading ground military simulation and training solutions.
“Our relationship with Zen Technologies will open up avenues to further extend our reach in the Indian defense market, and allows Rockwell Collins to offer superior end-to-end solutions that militaries utilize throughout the world,” said LeAnn Ridgeway, vice president and general manager, Simulation & Training Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “Combining the strengths of our two companies will provide Indian military customers with air and ground solutions that will better prepare their soldiers and airmen to successfully complete missions.”
Jim Walker, vice president and managing director of Asia Pacific for Rockwell Collins, said that India is a very promising market for the aerospace and defense sector.
“We want to work closely with the industry to ensure they have easy access to innovative solutions,” said Walker. “We are here for the long term and through this partnership we want to develop locally, and market directly, advanced solutions and services for India. We will continue to invest in India through steady growth, strategic partnerships and by strengthening existing customer relations.”
The announcement coincides with the recent launch of the “Make in India” campaign, which is aimed at enhancing the country’s prominence in global manufacturing while creating jobs by increasing the flow of new technology and capital. The memorandum of understanding also marks the first time that a global simulator original equipment manufacturer has partnered with an Indian simulator manufacturing company to cater to the Indian defense market.
“We are delighted to enter into the flight simulation segment by virtue of our alliance with a renowned and leading organization like Rockwell Collins. Zen Technologies has over the years emerged as a strong force in the field of land forces simulation in India and we are very optimistic that through this alliance we will be able to fill the gap in our capabilities to serve the burgeoning need of the flight simulation market in India,” said Zen Technologies President A. Kishore Dutt. “With Rockwell Collins’ global footprint, Zen Technologies will be able to access new markets. This is a perfect fit.”
In 2008, Rockwell Collins opened a design center in Hyderabad, India, to augment the company’s existing engineering capabilities. The India Design Center (IDC) was created to help Rockwell Collins expand its global footprint, meet the needs of customers in this region, and increase access to high-quality engineering and design talent. The IDC currently has 600 employees.