By Staff Correspondent
Global interest in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) indigenous platforms surged at the Paris Air Show, with state-owned entities from several countries, notably Argentina, Vietnam and Madagascar, showcasing their interest.
Company representatives informed that defence delegations from the aforementioned countries engaged in extensive discussions about indigenous platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’, and HTT 40. An invite was extended to approximately 20 other countries’ delegations, specifically to explore potential exports from HAL, the state-owned enterprise.
HAL’s exhibit, dubbed the ‘HAL Chalet’ and themed ‘Indigenised Platforms and Future Projects of HAL’, drew considerable attention as part of its effort to underscore India’s technological capabilities. Displayed items included fixed-wing platforms such as the Trainer HTT40, Maritime Do228, and the LCA Tejas Fighter.
The HAL Chalet showcased India’s self-sufficiency with various rotor wing platforms, including the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, ALH MR, LCH Prachand, ALH Weapons System Integrated (WSI), and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). These made-in-India creations are anticipated to have a global impact.
As defence delegations delved into discussions, strategic meetings with business partners were organised to unearth future project prospects. These interactions served as springboards for innovative collaborations, presenting HAL with new business possibilities.
The Paris event demonstrated India’s dedication to indigenisation while highlighting HAL’s upcoming projects on an international platform. This pivotal moment pushes India closer to becoming a significant player in the global defence industry.
With its notable showcase, the HAL Chalet garnered international attention, spotlighting India’s indigenous military platforms and future ambitions. It underscored India’s eagerness to form global partnerships and attract foreign armed forces to consider HAL’s technologically advanced solutions.
In attendance at the Chalet were several distinguished guests, including Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France and Monaco; Rajiv Bansal, Secretary of Civil Aviation; Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO); and Ananthakrishnan CB, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), HAL, among others.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between HAL and Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA) of Argentina during the Paris Air Show. The agreement aims to explore potential collaborations in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services and meet any offset requirements for potential HAL sales in the Latin American region.
Much like HAL, FAdeA is a state-owned Argentinian aerospace company under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Defence, involved in the design, manufacture, and maintenance of civil and military aircraft.
