Bengaluru: HAL organised a workshop of Indian private players to boost manufacturing of upgraded ALH Dhruv (civil version) under transfer of technology on Saturday. The workshop was chaired by Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production, in the presence of Mr R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL.
The Dhruv, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), indigenously designed and developed by HAL, is a multi-role, multi-mission and new generation helicopter in the 5.5 ton weight class.
HAL is the design authority and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of ALH-Dhruv. The upgraded Dhruv (ALH) civil helicopter, which is equipped with the latest avionics and glass cockpit, is under production and certification from DGCA.
Dr Ajay Kumar allayed the concerns over the marketing of ALH civil helicopter, saying, “India offers a huge opportunity and private sector should grab this by collaborating and improvising with positive spirit keeping in mind the interest of all stakeholders.”
He urged HAL to consider some of the suggestions proposed by the industry partners. “Dhruv has a huge potential in domestic and global civil market and with HAL as the OEM and Licensor, the deal will benefit the Indian partners immensely and help develop the aerospace ecosystem in India. As of now, India needs at least 600 helicopters in civil sector,” Mr Madhavan said.
A Request for Quotation (RFQ) was issued in April under which Under the selected Indian Partner would also be required to provide support to customers throughout the life of the product (20 years) ensuring a long-term business relationship.
Prospective bidders, various supply-chain partners, industry chambers of commerce like Assocham, Ficci, CII, Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, Karnataka State Development Council and Karnataka Udyog Mitra were invited to the workshop. ALH Mk I version is being operated for civil use for law enforcement, anti-Naxalite operations, VIP movement and ground survey operations by BSF.
