BY : Asian Age


India will now procure only 197 helicopters for the Indian Army and Air Force from abroad through an RFP process instead of the 384 that it had earlier envisaged. This is because Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has now been given the opportunity by the government to design and develop 187 light utility and observation helicopters for the Indian Army and Air Force. The HAL is now focusing on design and development of helicopters as its thrust area, even as the defence PSU is setting up a new helicopter division in Bengaluru. MoD sources said that HAL had developed expertise in the field of helicopters through development of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters as well as the Advanced Light Helicopters.

HAL has already delivered 74 ALHs to the Indian armed forces and has received an order for 159 more ALH from the Indian Army and IAF three months ago. HAL will also design and develop 346 medium-lift helicopters. MoD officials said that the revenue turnover of HAL could increase from $2 billion to $4 billion in the next five years, with helicopters accounting for half the increase in revenue. HAL currently has 9,000 engineers on its rolls out of which 870 specialise in design.