Israel Aircraft Industries, As part of the visit by the Indian Secretary for Defense Production, Mr. Shekhar Dutt SM, and the Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Mr. Ashok K. Baweja, to Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)'s facilities at Ben-Gurion International Airport, the visitors were able to see for themselves the progress made in developing an international marketing plan for the Dhruv helicopter.
HAL's chairman Mr. Ashok K. Baweja stated that the helicopter's unique capabilities are well received by the Indian Armed Forces. HAL looks forward to promote the DHRUV (Pole star) in new markets along with IAI.
IAI's President & CEO, Mr. Moshe Keret, noted that “the Dhruv helicopter marks a important step forward in relations between Israel Aircraft Industries and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This project significantly expands cooperation between our two companies, over and above the industrial cooperation that has been developing to date.”
IAI's Executive Vice President for Marketing and Business Development, Mr. Shimon Eckhaus said that “this event provides additional support for the international recognition accorded to HAL's extraordinary technological capabilities. We are now reaping the fruits of the ongoing cooperation between IAI and HAL in both military and civilian markets.”
There has already been wide cooperation between the two industries for several years in the fields of passenger to freighter aircraft conversions, UAVs, helicopters and aircraft avionics, and engineering services. In addition, the two industries are also cooperating on the marketing of the Dhruv helicopter to the international market. Within the framework of this agreement, IAI and HAL representatives have begun to act in various countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa.
The Indian Defense Ministry will order 200 helicopters, and the helicopter is already in serial production.
As part of the examination of market potential in the US, efforts are underway to cooperate with US industries, so as to try and penetrate the important LUH Light Utility Helicopter program for the US Army.
Together with the ongoing international marketing efforts, IAI has signed an agreement with the Israel Ministry of Defense, and will begin helicopter operations to fly VIPs and Defense Ministry officials, within the framework of the Ministry's efforts to increase outsourcing.
IAI has additionally promoted cooperation between the civil aviation authorities of both India and Israel, and a Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed which allows the operation of the helicopter under Israeli licensing. This approval will facilitate the marketing of the Dhruv in European Community countries.
The status of the program in IAI:
-There are currently 5 HAL representatives at IAI, preparing the helicopter in accordance with the ongoing work plan, and working together with teams from IAI
