Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, and Asia’s leading company 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.

“HAL is fast developing into a major player in the aerospace sector. With this increasing pace of growth, HAL welcomes opportunities for joining hands with a global player like Eurocopter. We look forward to corroborating this partnership further in the coming years,” said Ashok Nayak, HAL Chairman.

Since 1962, Eurocopter has partnered with HAL, through 2 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.

Commenting on the Eurocopter-HAL association, Lutz Bertling, President and CEO of Eurocopter said, “HAL is one of the most important partners of Eurocopter Group. Giving continuity to our 50 years of successful relationship, we are proud today to reinforce and extend the scope of our association in India. We remain committed to work with HAL contributing to the expansion of the helicopter capabilities of India.”

With the launch of its India subsidiary - Eurocopter India Private Limited – Eurocopter demonstrated its commitment to the Indian market and industry, in which one of the key priorities would be the extension of industrial cooperation, further building on the 50-year relationship with HAL.