Eurocopter and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) have decided to continue their five-decade long partnership.

The long-time partners are in the process of signing agreements to further strengthen their industrial cooperation and links. The association will now focus on increasing existing collaboration and exploring new potential business areas to serve both the Indian and international markets.

“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 Mr Ashok Nayak, HAL Chairman.

Since 1962, Eurocopter has partnered with HAL, through two co-operation agreements, enabling HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters based on the Alouette 3 and Lama, more popularly known in India as the Cheetah and Chetak.

India was the first nation with which Eurocopter signed a licence agreement which included technology transfer. In 1984, HAL was supported by Eurocopter in the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter, a 5-tonne twin-engine transport helicopter.

This industrial partnership was strengthened in 2005 with the manufacturing of composite assemblies. Currently, HAL manufactures 100 shipsets of these assemblies a year for the AS550/AS350 helicopters, and contributes to Eurocopter global supply chain.

Commenting on the Eurocopter-HAL association, Mr 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.”

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