HAL keen to sell Dhruv helicopters to Malaysia

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), India's leading defence equipment manufacturing PSU, has pitched strongly for selling its Dhruv helicopters to replace the aging Malaysian fleet.

HAL held a special air show for the visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and showcased the capabilities of its key aircraft "" Dhruv helicopter, the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

Badawi congratulated HAL on its "progress and success in aeronautical engineering development and in developing the three prototype flying machines" after witnessing the air-show.

"We have been doing business in Malaysia for the last 15 years. We are already supporting the Malaysian air force in a big way, especially for their helicopters. On this occasion, we thought of presenting our star products "" Dhruv, LCA and the IJT. It is a golden opportunity to show that here is a product designed by an Indian company which are very well styled and have a universal application," Ashok K Baweja, chairman, HAL, told mediapersons after the air show.

When asked about which aircraft HAL was keen on selling to Malaysia, Baweja said, "Initially, we are looking at promoting the Dhruv helicopter as it is certified and is already in service. We are aware that there is a requirement of new helicopters in Malaysia because their existing fleet is quite old. So we are working to see that Dhruv should be considered seriously in the near future."

The Malaysian government had first evinced interest in the Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv) after witnessing its capabilities in the Paris Air Show in June 2003. This was followed by HAL's presentation on ALH to the Malaysian armed forces. HAL has also offered upgradation of Alouette III fleet which is under evaluation by the Malaysian Air Force.

On the relationship with the Malaysian air force, Baweja said that HAL has been supplying spares and services to Alouette III helicopters of Royal Malaysian Air Force for the last 15 years.

Under an agreement between HAL and the ministry of defence, government of Malaysia, HAL had supplied spares/rendered repair and overhaul services, worth over US $ six million for Alouette III helicopters. Subsequently, HAL is offering helicopter spares and services to Airod, an aircraft maintenance agency in Malaysia.

HAL, in the recent past, has also interacted extensively for offering support for SU-30s to Malaysia. Recently, HAL signed a contract with the Malaysian government for US $ 10.38 million for supply of radar computers for their SU-30 MKM being procured from Russia. HAL is further exploring the opportunities to enhance business volume in this area.