Hindustan Aeronautics Limited wants to be known for more than delay. The state-run aircraft maker is set to deliver four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans as it moves to expand its civil aviation business. The helicopter service provider had ordered 10 multi-role helicopters in January.
The last two light combat aircraft LCA Mk-1 trainers from a 2010 contract are also finally set to be delivered to Indian Air Force, people aware of development said. IAF had ordered 40 Mk-1s in initial operational clearance and more advanced final operational clearance configuration - first variants of LCA. The IOC contract for 20 aircraft was signed in 2006 for completion by 2011 and FOC contract for another 20 was inked in 2010 for completion by 2016.
The Dhruv NG story is the real shift. IAF has so far placed two separate orders for total of 180 LCA Mk-1As with combined value of Rs 1.1 lakh crore to shore up its fighter fleet. First contract for 83 jets inked February 2021, second for 97 fighters September 2025.
Officials said remaining six twin-engine Dhruv NG helicopters are expected to be delivered in current financial year. The development comes as HAL targets deriving 25% of its turnover from non-military business over next decade; figure currently stands at 5%.
HAL's internal estimates suggest India will require around 400 helicopters in Dhruv NG category in coming years. Helicopter features world-class, civil-certified glass cockpit and modern avionics suite for superior situational awareness. It also incorporates crashworthy seats and self-sealing fuel tanks for enhanced safety.
Those interested in buying include Border Security Force, several states including Karnataka and Odisha, and some south-east Asian countries. HAL also plans to tap heli-tourism in north to boost sales.
The Dhruv NG builds on advanced light helicopter programme, with earlier technical glitches and safety concerns now addressed. Earlier variants are operated by three services and coast guard.
In January, HAL signed agreement with Russian firm United Aircraft Corporation to pursue licensed production of regional commercial aircraft SJ-100. Teaming agreement seeks to lay groundwork for producing SJ-100, twin-engine narrow body, in India within three years. Dhruv NG, SJ-100 and Hindustan-228 light transport aircraft will spearhead HAL's civil campaign.
For a company criticised for LCA delays, delivering four civil helicopters on time to Pawan Hans - India's largest civil helicopter operator - would be as symbolic as delivering fighters. It proves HAL can meet market deadlines, not just military ones.