Aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has entered into partnership with the Indian industry for the manufacturing of fuselage structures for ‘Prachand’ Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). 

The agreements have been signed with private-sector entity Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd, and state-owned public-sector enterprise Bharat  Earth Movers Limited (BEML), further expanding India’s indigenous helicopter production ecosystem. 

Under the agreements, BEML and Adani Defence will manufacture 48 and 42 fuselage structures, respectively, HAL announced last week. 

“This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening India’s aerospace ecosystem. For the first time, the private industry is being integrated into the production of helicopter fuselage structures.” 

“This partnership will expand capacity, strengthen the domestic supply chain and contribute to enhancing indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities,” HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Ravi K., said. 

HAL has augmented its capacity and already commenced production of 156 ‘Prachand’ LCHs ordered for the Indian Armed Forces at its new helicopter manufacturing facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka.

The establishment of two additional production lines will further enhance overall manufacturing capability for the LCH programme and support the timely delivery of the helicopters to the Indian Armed Forces, HAL said in an official statement. 

The expanded industrial base is also expected to create opportunities for a wider network of Indian MSMEs, component manufacturers and aerospace suppliers, contributing to the development of specialised capabilities and strengthening the domestic aerospace supply chain, the company added.