Sky is the Limit | March 2018

Younis Ahmad Kaloo

At a time when government’s ‘Make in India’ campaign is not making much headway, with experts saying it is far too lower than what one expected since its launch in late 2014, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has, for the first time, offered private Indian companies to license manufacture the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv (civil version) through transfer of technology (ToT). The state-owned company sees it as a ‘major boost to defence manufacturing and ‘Make in India’ initiative’.

HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter

The decision also comes at a time when there is a growing demand for helicopters in Indian market for both defence as well civil uses. Combined with the requirement from civil sector, the Indian helicopter market is said to soar as high as USD30-40 billion in about a decade.

HAL’S objective of partnering with a ‘reliable’ Indian company to manufacture and supply ALH Dhruv civil helicopter through ToT under license, as mentioned in the expression of interest (EOI) document issued on February 16, is to service the potential demand to different customers in civil sector in shorter time spans and continued product support. The selected Indian company will be required to provide support to the customers throughout life — 20 years — of the helicopter. HAL, as a technology provider, will provide ToT through license and transfer of know–how, technical assistance and license rights for production of ALH-Dhruv (civil) for the selected business partner.

“Considering the increasing need of helicopters in civil operations of the country, this will be a mega deal from HAL which is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and licensor,” said CMD HAL, T. Suvarna Raju.

The Indian partner, according to HAL, should have five years of experience in engineering/aerospace industry (including manufacturing and assembly), a net worth of Rs 2,000 crores and minimum turnover of Rs