Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has partnered with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) to manufacture fuselage structures for the indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), marking the first time private industry has been integrated into helicopter fuselage production in India.
The agreements are aimed at expanding India’s domestic helicopter manufacturing capacity and strengthening the indigenous aerospace ecosystem.
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Under the partnership, BEML will manufacture 48 fuselage structures, while Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) will produce 42 fuselage structures for the Prachand programme.
The agreements were signed by Tushar Ranjan Behera, General Manager of HAL’s Helicopter Division, with Commodore (Retd.) RGK Rao, Executive Director (Aerospace & Maritime) at BEML, and Prasanna Karthik, Vice President of Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited.
Senior officials from HAL, BEML and ADSTL were present during the signing ceremony.
SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE FOR AEROSPACE; HAL CHAIRMAN
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K described the collaboration as a significant milestone for India’s aerospace sector, saying it marks the first time the private sector has been integrated into the production of helicopter fuselage structures.
He said the partnership would help expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen the domestic supply chain and further boost indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
The development comes as HAL ramps up production of the 156 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters ordered by the Indian Armed Forces.
Manufacturing has already commenced at HAL’s new helicopter production facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka, which has been established to support the large-scale production of the combat helicopter.
According to HAL, the addition of two more production lines through the partnerships with BEML and Adani Defence is expected to significantly enhance overall manufacturing capacity and help ensure the timely delivery of the helicopters to the Army and the Indian Air Force.
The expanded production ecosystem is also expected to benefit a wider network of Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), component manufacturers and aerospace suppliers by creating new business opportunities across the supply chain.
HAL said the initiative would contribute to developing specialised manufacturing capabilities within the country while reducing dependence on external suppliers.
The Prachand Light Combat Helicopter is India’s indigenously developed attack helicopter designed for operations in diverse terrain, including high-altitude regions, and forms a key part of the country’s push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
