Article Posted on : - Oct 24, 2016

PANAJI (PTI): Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has inaugurated a helicopter maintenance facility in north Goa, which is a joint venture between defence subsidiary Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and a French firm.

The facility named Helicopter Engine MRO Pvt Ltd, located in Honda village of Sattari tehsil, is a joint venture between HAL and SAFRAN Helicopter Engines, France.

Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and officials from both the companies were present on the occasion on Sunday.

"The facility will have total investment of Rs 170 crore to be invested by both the parties in phased manner. It is about maintenance, repair and overhaul of engines which are fitted on HAL designed and manufactured helicopters," HAL's Chairman T Suvarna Raju told PTI.

The engines of advance light helicopters of various versions, light combat helicopters and future light utility helicopters which are common between HAL and SAFRAN will be maintained at this facility, he said.

Raju said the first investment of Rs 44 crore has been rolled out to set up this facility.

Subsequently the investment in the plant would be increased and rolled out in phases mostly over three years.

He said both the firms have invested equally as a part of joint venture.

Raju said there will be no dearth of business for the new facility in Goa as HAL has already delivered 200 helicopters while there is a business line of 300 helicopters and they have a business plan of manufacturing 1,000 helicopters over next ten years.