Eurocopter and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited sign cooperation agreements

Eurocopter and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), have reiterated their commitment to take their five decade long relationship to the next level. The long-time partners are in the process of signing agreements to further strengthen their industrial cooperation and links. This association will focus on increasing existing collaboration and exploring new potential business areas to serve both Indian and international markets.
Since 1962, Eurocopter has partnered with HAL, through two co-operation agreements, enabling HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters based on the Alouette 3 and Lama, more popularly known in India as the Cheetah and Chetak. This fleet has been the backbone of the Indian Armed Forces over decades. India was the first nation with which Eurocopter signed a license agreement which included technology transfer. In 1984, HAL has been supported by Eurocopter in the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter, a 5-tonne twin-engine transport helicopter. This industrial partnership was strengthened in 2005 with the manufacturing of composite assemblies. Today, HAL is manufacturing 100 shipsets of these assemblies per year for the AS550/AS350 helicopters, and contributes to Eurocopter global supply chain.