Eurocopter and HAL to sign cooperation agreements

Posted by- Neelam Mathews

July 22,2011
 

Eurocopter and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are in the process of signing agreements to explore new potential business areas to serve both Indian and international markets. The areas of cooperation are not known.

“HAL is fast developing into a major player in the aerospace sector. With this increasing pace of growth, HAL welcomes opportunities for joining hands with a global player like Eurocopter. We look forward to corroborating this partnership further in the coming years,” said Ashok Nayak, HAL Chairman.

Eurocopter has partnered with HAL since 1962,  through two co-operation agreements, enabling HAL to manufacture over 600 helicopters based on the Alouette 3 and Lama, popularly known in India as the Cheetah and Chetak. This fleet has been the backbone of the Indian Armed Forces over decades. India was the first nation with which Eurocopter signed a license agreement which included technology transfer. 

In 1984, HAL was supported by Eurocopter in the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter, a 5-ton twin-engine transport helicopter. This industrial partnership was strengthened in 2005 with the manufacturing of composite assemblies. Today, HAL is manufacturing 100 shipsets of these assemblies per year for the AS550/AS350 helicopters, and contributes to Eurocopter global supply chain, says Eurocopter.

Lutz Bertling, President and CEO of Eurocopter said: “HAL is one of the most important partners of Eurocopter Group. Giving continuity to our 50 years of successful relationship, we are proud today to reinforce and extend the scope of our association in India. We remain committed to work with HAL contributing to the expansion of the helicopter capabilities of India.”

With the launch of its India subsidiary in 2010 – Eurocopter India Private Limited – Eurocopter says it demonstrated its commitment to the Indian market and industry.  Eurocopter India Pvt. Ltd. is the 25th subsidiary established worldwide by Eurocopter and the 10th in Asia. 

The new subsidiary is headquartered in New Delhi and has an existing facility in Bangalore for the management of industrial activity. An engineering center will be created in Bangalore next year to support the company’s design, development and industrial activities, along with the opening of a new commercial office in Mumbai.