HAL invites private companies to manufacture Dhruv helicopters

In a bid to push the 'Make in India' initiative, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday invited private sector companies to manufacture the civil version of the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv.

HAL, the public sector defence major which has designed, developed and manufactures the ALH, issued a notice inviting 'expression of interest' from private firms with relevant experience in the aerospace and engineering industry.

"HAL is looking for the Indian Partner, who has the capability of having five years of experience in engineering/aerospace industry (including manufacturing and assembly), having net worth of Rs 2,000 crore and minimum turnover of Rs 2,500 crore, possessing skilled and qualified manpower, registered in India or having majority holding by Indian stakeholders and willing to enter strategic collaboration with HAL," the HAL said in a statement.

"Considering the increasing need of helicopters in civil operations of the country, this will be a mega deal from HAL which is the OEM and Licensor," HAL CMD T. Suvarna Raju said.

HAL is the Design Authority and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of ALH-Dhruv.

"The company is now looking forward to develop a reliable Indian Partner (IP) to service the potential demand to different customers in civil sector in shorter time span. The selected Indian Partner would also be required to provide support to the customers throughout the life of the product (20 years), thereby ensuring long term business relationship," the statement said.

As a technology provider, HAL will provide transfer of technology through license and transfer of know-how, technical assistance and license rights for production of ALH-Dhruv (Civil) for the selected business partner.

"ALH Dhruv has proved itself with different customers in varying roles and missions in demanding operational conditions and has bright business prospects. Besides the current orders, Dhruv is envisaged to have potential demands in domestic as well as foreign markets due to flexibility of configuration for different roles," the statement added.

The ALH Dhruv has been exported to Nepal, Mauritius, Ecuador and Maldives, apart from being manufactured for the Indian forces.

According to a recent reply to the Lok Sabha, HAL presently has contracts worth Rs 13,799 crore for 159 ALH helicopters, of which 154 have been produced so far. The annual production capacity of HAL is 24 helicopters.

--IANS

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