India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is seeking to expand collaboration with local companies on opportunities to produce under licence the civilian version of its Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
HAL said that it held a ‘workshop’ event in Bangalore on 29 June to identify local industry partners with which HAL intends to transfer technologies and knowhow to support Dhruv production and pursue expanding opportunities for helicopter sales within India.
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is looking to outsource production of its Dhruv advanced light helicopter (IHS Markit/Patrick Allen)
According to HAL, India has a requirement for more than 600 helicopters across a range of civilian sectors. Exports of the Dhruv will also be pursued through its arrangements with local industry, and opportunities to engage in military programmes are expected to emerge from the arrangements.
HAL initially invited expressions of interest (EOI) from local firms to support Dhruv production in February 2018. This was followed by the company issuing in April 2019 a request for quotation (RFQ) for manufacturing services on the Dhruv helicopter.
HAL said that under the terms of this RFQ, selected local partners would be required to provide manufacturing services – as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) support – through the anticipated 20-year life of the Dhruv helicopter, “thereby ensuring a long-term business relationship”.
Under the proposal, which HAL has said is intended to align with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, HAL will act as the Dhruv’s “design authority and original equipment manufacturer”. HAL added that it would provide the selected local firm with technologies, skills, technical assistance, and licencing rights.
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...