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India to supply advanced light helicopter to SL ?

27 March 2017 08:57 am - 7     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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As part of efforts to enhance defence cooperation and boost exports with friendly countries, India is in discussions with Sri Lanka and several Southeast Asian nations for the supply of Dhruv, the indigenously developed advanced light helicopter (ALH).

Supplying defence equipment and providing assistance in setting up domestic manufacturing capability have become the new normal in India’s defence cooperation with regional countries.

“There are queries … There is talk with Vietnam, Myanmar and Sri Lanka for ALH,” T. Suvarna Raju, Chief Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), told The Hindu.

Another official said discussions with Indonesia were progressing well. Officials from India were expected to visit Jakarta in April.

This time, India is putting specific emphasis on maintenance and training in view of its experience of Dhruv sales to Ecuador, which got embroiled in legal issues.

Amid much fanfare in 2009, India bagged a deal to supply seven of these helicopters to Ecuador worth $45.2 million after defeating several global platforms. However, the euphoria was short-lived as four of them crashed. In October 2015, Ecuador unilaterally terminated the contract and in 2016, put the three helicopters on sale. Following this, HAL had moved a local court there. Of the four crashes, two had been attributed to pilot error and one to mechanical failure.

Dhruv, designed and developed by the HAL, is powered by the Shakti engine jointly developed by it and Turbomeca of France. Over 200 helicopters are in service with the Indian military.

The three Services have constantly complained about lack of spares and support for the fleet. The situation has slightly improved in recent times.

“We have started mini maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities at forward bases where we man them and stock spares and line replaceable units for use. We do a clean exchange when required,” Mr. Raju said. These attempts to stock the spares and supply them as quickly as possible has brought serviceability to “more than 65% to 70%”, he said.

To increase the delivery rate, the HAL recently set up a second assembly line in Kanpur, which is expected to produce 12 helicopters a year.(The Hindu)


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  Comments - 7

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • ceylon Monday, 27 March 2017 10:07 AM

    initialy all products ate lije this.take some time to fix these short comings.basicaly indian helicopters are well made and increasingly advancing qualities. via DM Android App

    Anja Monday, 27 March 2017 10:46 AM

    Politicians families will be flying helpless voters will be paying via DM Android App

    NoMORE Monday, 27 March 2017 12:10 PM

    Since the current govt came its all ships ,jets ,weapons but they canaceled the luxury aircraft suit by MR which would allow MS to fly in style

    Haramanis Monday, 27 March 2017 01:29 PM

    Sri Lanka should look after its best interests in purchasing any aircraft including helicopters. Looks like India is trying to load us with a crap helicopter which has already failed. Similar situation to this in . offering the Indian built unproven Tejas light combat aircraft after blocking the purchase of the Pakistan built JF -17.

    Haramanis Monday, 27 March 2017 01:32 PM

    The best stuff we can buy from India is "beedi" (coarse "cigarettes") - nothing else

    seqi Monday, 27 March 2017 01:34 PM

    has a track record suitable for political brats to fly in....give or take a few...lol via DM Android App

    OMG Monday, 27 March 2017 01:39 PM

    Do not buy from India , they sell all scraps to 3rd world countries.


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Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

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