NEW DELHI: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will hand over two light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1) trainers to the Indian Air Force on September 18, marking the completion of a contract signed in 2010, people aware of the matter said on Tuesday. The helicopter service provider ordered 10 such multi-role helicopters in January.
The state-run plane maker will also deliver four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans the same day, as it sharpens its focus on the civil aviation business, the people said.
The trainers and helicopters will be delivered in the presence of defence minister Rajnath Singh and civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
The last two FOC trainers that will be delivered to the IAF feature enhanced radar performance, improved autopilot handling, upgraded fuel systems and avionics software, along with software defined radio (SDR) for secure communications, the people said.
HAL to Deliver Remaining Dhruv NG Helicopters This Financial Year
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver the remaining six twin-engine Dhruv NG helicopters within the current financial year. This delivery aligns with HAL’s strategic goal to increase its non-military business revenue from 5% to 25% over the next decade. The Dhruv NG represents an advancement over the earlier variants of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program, which faced technical issues and safety concerns that have now been resolved. The earlier versions of the ALH Dhruv are currently in service with the Indian Armed Forces and the Coast Guard.
