The Hindu Business Line : HAL hopes to see Dhruv copters on Malaysian shopping list

HINDUSTAN Aeronautics Ltd has said it would put its star product `Dhruv', the advanced light helicopter, in the running if Malaysia decides to renew its helicopter fleet.

Three colourfully painted ALHs, called `Sarang', showed their flying prowess while Dhruv also came in for some close scrutiny when the Malaysian Prime Minister, Mr Abdallah Ahamad Badawi, visited HAL's Bangalore Complex on Thursday.

Mr Badawi, leading a high level team of Ministers and officials to Bangalore, also watched the flight demonstrations of two other HAL products, the Intermediate Jet Trainer prototype and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) prototype 2, for nearly 30 minutes.

Describing the Malaysian interest as a new business opportunity, the HAL Chairman, Mr Ashok Baweja, later said, "We are certainly promoting Dhruv. It has been certified and in service. Malaysia has a requirement, as its existing helicopter fleet is old. They should be considering Dhruv seriously as a superlative and cost-effective option."

Meanwhile, the helicopter will be flying at next month's air show at the UAE as well as at the Paris show. However, "A good lot of effort has to be done (by HAL)" to break into the international markets, he added.

The ALH is a 14-seater multi-purpose helicopter with variants for civilian, navy and army use. It entered service in March 2002 and is being targeted at the States for VIP transits, for medical emergencies and at times of disasters.

The Malaysian Government has a fleet of 25 Alouette III helicopters and has been scouting for a new lot to replace or augment it. According to HAL, it has shown its interest in the ALH since it flew at the Paris Air Show in June 2003. Besides following it up with presentations to the Malaysian Armed Forces, the company has also offered to upgrade the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Alouette fleet and the offer is under evaluation.

Under a bilateral agreement, the RMAF has been sourcing Alouette spares, repair and overhaul services from HAL for $6 million. HAL also supplies helicopter spares and services to their aircraft maintenance agency AIROD.

In addition to helicopter-related business, the company has been in interactions for support to Malaysia's SU-30 fighters. It recently signed a $10.38-million contract with the Malaysian Government for the supply of radar computers for the Su-30 MKM aircraft that Malaysia is procuring from Russia. HAL said it was exploring further opportunities to enhance business volumes with that country.

The Dhruv story so far: 31 ALHs have been produced so far for the armed forces and the Coast Guard. Two were exported to Nepal last year at Rs 42 crore each and one more sold to Israel. Dhruv has been flown and shown in Chile, too.

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