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. “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 Mr Ashok Nayak,
HAL Chairman. 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. 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".