SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The civil variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has secured its first major contract, marking a significant milestone in expanding its footprint in the civil aviation sector.
State-owned Pawan Hans Limited successfully bid for the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) global tender, offering four HAL-made Dhruv-NG helicopters for offshore operations. The contract, valued at over ?2,141 crore for a 10-year period, was officially awarded earlier this month.
India’s civil helicopter segment, though currently small, is expected to witness major expansion over the next 10-15 years. The Dhruv-NG, which has proven its capabilities in the military domain, is now poised to tap into this growing market.
Officials note that the Dhruv-NG’s recent success against established global competitors highlights its competitiveness and potential. “The Dhruv-NG won in a global tender, competing with other established players,” a HAL official emphasized, underscoring its value proposition in terms of performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
The Dhruv-NG’s entry into the civil aviation market is not just a win for HAL but a step towards India’s “Make in India” initiative, promoting indigenous products in the defence and aviation sectors. HAL’s focus now is on leveraging this initial success to expand its civil helicopter offerings, both at home and abroad.
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