India hosts IOR plus Defence Minister’s Conclave

Collaborative efforts are required for ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region said the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. India hosted the IOR plus Defence Ministers’ Conclave held during the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar. It was attended by 40 countries, with 22 ministers addressing the conference, some of them in hybrid mode. The broad theme was ‘Challenges, Opportunities and Collaborations in the Indian Ocean. It facilitated dialogue towards fostering a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean, with strategic and commercial partnerships within the IOR, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

In his keynote address, Minister said the conclave would provide an opportunity to promote dialogue in an institutional and cooperative environment that can foster peace, stability & prosperity in the IOR. He stated that this forum has been named IOR+ as the idea of this conclave is shared responsibility and prosperity. “We believe in a multi-aligned policy which is realised through engagements with multiple stakeholders, so that views and concerns of all can be discussed and addressed for a prosperous future for all. India is willing to work with all the stakeholders to ensure a rules-based maritime order to the benefit of all in the region,” he said.

Defence Minister listed out shared challenges in the IOR such as the spread of terrorism through sea routes, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, piracy and regional and global food security. He asserted that terrorism, exported, supported or coordinated through maritime routes remains a major concern and India continues to guard against the spread of the menace. He appreciated the fact that piracy has been suppressed in the Western Indian Ocean with concerted international efforts and sustained efforts must continue to deter the menace.

On IUU fishing, the Defence Minister called for a multi-national effort for the compilation, collation and sharing of surveillance data, collected from diverse sources, i.e., satellites, radar, reconnaissance planes or human intelligence. It will help in identifying actors with irregular or threatening behaviour, which then will have to be countered resolutely, he said.

Defence Minister termed sustainable exploitation of maritime resources as an important means for the growth and development of nations across the IOR in the 21st century. He called for a collaborative effort in ensuring that the maritime expanse of the Indian Ocean is peaceful and optimally harnessed for ensuring regional and global food security. Rajnath Singh reiterated the Government’s commitment to building the capacities of partner countries by providing ships, maritime aircraft, Coastal Radar and other Surveillance systems, training, access to Indian shipyards and availability of a trained workforce for indigenous development of similar capacities. He stated that the Aerospace & Defence sector in India has come a long way, with private and public sector industries at the forefront of developing state-of-the-art technologies.

“The recent commissioning of the first indigenously constructed Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant, induction of the indigenously developed Attack Helicopter, Prachand, etc. are the milestones in our march towards developing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The Indian aerospace and defence industries present an attractive and significant opportunity for foreign companies to take their cooperation to newer levels. India is ready to supply various types of Missile systems, Light Combat Aircrafts/Helicopters, MultiPurpose Light Transport aircraft, Warship and Patrol Vessels, Artillery Gun systems, Tanks, Radars, Military Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems and other weapons systems to friendly IOR countries,” the Minister said.

The 2nd IOR+ conclave subsumed aspects related to defence industry cooperation, availability of Indian shipyards for refits, voyage repairs, ship design & shipbuilding, access to Indian ports, maritime information-sharing, maritime surveillance and cooperation, HADR, tackling marine pollution, development of technologies and capabilities for harnessing marine and marine aviation resources.

The conclave was organised by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. The initiative was very well received and highly appreciated by all participating countries. 

Indra’s Earth observation satellite center in Oman

Indra has associated with the Ministry of Finance and the National Survey Authority (NSA) of the Ministry of Defence, the Sultanate of Oman for the implementation of an Advance Earth observation Centre. The project will enhance the competitiveness of its economy and improve the services that the administration of the Sultanate of Oman provides for its citizen. The project is part of the ‘Sultanate of Oman Vision 2040’ plan, promoted by the government to modernize its infrastructure, diversify the economy and generate quality employment.

The new center will have Indra software capable of generating high-value-added products and services from satellite images, especially those collected by the Sentinel constellation of the European Copernicus program, one of the most advanced in existence.

The company will provide advice in defining the center’s business strategy and will help define the lines of development that it will follow in the coming years. Some of the areas towards which it will direct its activity are the safety of maritime traffic, the protection of critical infrastructures, the control of land use, the analysis of the growth of urban areas, and the protection of the environment.

The ultimate goal is to turn the Sultanate of Oman into one of the major competitors in the international Earth observation market, a sector that continues to grow as the number of satellites and the quality of the data they collect increases while they decrease. its costs. At the same time, the enormous utility that these data provide when defining public policies and business strategies means that the demand for these products is growing exponentially throughout the world.

For Domingo Castro, Indra’s Director of Defense and Space Systems, “Earth observation satellites are the most powerful tool that exists for accessing precise and fully updated information on a city, region or the entire planet at high speed. . With the establishment of this center, the Sultanate of Oman begins its journey in a sector of the future, based on the intensive use of knowledge and high technology and which is essential to move towards a more sustainable world”.

Indra will train the specialists who will assume the management of the new facilities and will put them in contact with space agencies, research centers and universities throughout Europe with which to collaborate.

The project also opens a new path of professional development for young Omanis, who will work with technologies linked to cloud computing and artificial intelligence. To accelerate the initiative and contribute to the development of an innovative ecosystem that attracts and connects the talent of professionals, companies and administrations, the company will organize different dissemination activities and ‘hackathons’.

Indra is a global leader in technological engineering that has been working in the space sector for more than thirty years. It has played a key role in the development of the main European space infrastructures, among which the Copernicus system for observing the Earth or the Galileo system for global geo positioning stand out. It has also deployed the ground segment of the Spanish Earth observation satellite Paz and has developed one of the most powerful space radars in the world, capable of detecting objects 2,000 kilometers from Earth. More recently, It has launched a company linked to the new space, Startical, which is working on the development of a constellation of more than 200 small satellites that will provide air traffic management services throughout the planet. 

GRSE: Ace Shipbuilder Sets Sail of New Horizons

Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.)

Chairman and Managing Director,, GRSE Ltd.

Over the last six decades, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata, has been playing a key role in enhancing the defence preparedness of India by building the most modern warships for the maritime forces. Peninsular India provides optimum conditions for the development of a maritime nation. With the Navy’s plans for expansion in the emerging maritime security scenario, there is a huge scope for strategic as well as commercial shipbuilding in the country. GRSE has been credited with many firsts in the Indian shipbuilding industry. Being at the frontline of the maritime industry, GRSE is one of the most trusted brands in global shipbuilding industry and has been fulfilling the goal of self-reliance in shipbuilding and boosting the fleet-addition of maritime security forces. Under the able leadership of Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE Ltd., the shipyard is also focussing on tapping export potential towards its aspiration of becoming global player in warship building.

Having a strong track record and rich experience of building and delivering variety of warships, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), Kolkata, set up in 1884 to repair vessels of River Steam Navigation Company, has been credited with many firsts in the Indian shipbuilding industry. After its acquisition by GoI in 1960, GRSE has built 788 platforms including warships for Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and Government of Mauritius & Seychelles Coast Guard. From Frigates, Corvettes, Fleet Tankers, Landing Ship Tank, Landing Craft Utility to Survey Vessels, Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Attack Craft - the repertoire is rich and varied. Making 107 warships for the Indian & foreign maritime forces, GRSE has record of building and delivering the highest number of warships by any Indian shipyard till date. With proven credentials, the shipyard is on a growth path, reaffirming its motto “In Pursuit of Excellence and Quality in Shipbuilding.

Rooted in the nation’s vision of attaining Atmanirbharata in defence, GRSE is at the cusp of a major transformation facilitated by its knowledge, skill levels and operational capabilities gained over the years. With brand equity, a healthy balance sheet and a dedicated team at the helm, the Mini Ratna Category 1 Public Sector Company, GRSE is playing a key role in defence preparedness of India by producing the most modern warships through indigenisation and strengthening the Indian armada.

Being the only DPSU Shipyard to get the ‘Excellent’ rating in the MoU performance evaluation for FY 2020-21, when the entire industry bore the brunt of the covid pandemic, GRSE continues to set new benchmark in Atmanirbharata in warship construction. The company’s order book stands at Rs 24,100 Crore as on 31 March 2022. GRSE’s vision is to be globally recognized as the best Indian Shipyard and also become a Navratna Company by 2030.

Ongoing Projects

The ongoing projects include construction of 24 ships & vessels under seven prestigious projects - Frigates (P17A), Survey Vessels (Large), ASW Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC) for Indian Navy, Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) for Indian Coast Guard, Next Generation Electric Ferry for Govt of West Bengal, Ocean Going Passenger-cum-Cargo Ferry Vessel for Republic of Guyana and Patrol Boats for a government agency of Bangladesh. Concurrently, the shipyard is undertaking measures to strengthen internal processes, systems, and infrastructure and cost effectiveness. Several new initiatives have also been launched under the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ drive.

Indigenising Warship Building

As part of Make in India initiatives of Ministry of Defence, GRSE has made commendable progress by successfully incorporating a high percentage of indigenous equipment fit into the ships being built for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. This is evident onboard Kamorta class ASW Corvettes, the first warship built in the country with indigenous DMR steel and overall 90%

indigenous content with a unique feature of superstructure made of carbon fibre composite material. The Landing Craft Utility (LCU) ships, designed in-house by GRSE also achieved similar distinction. The company so far has delivered eight such LCU Mk IV ships to the Indian Navy.

The delivery of Fast Patrol Vessel – ‘SCG PS Zoroaster’ to the Seychelles Coast Guard in Febuary 2021 and orders for supply of “Ocean Going Passenger cum Cargo Ferry Vessel” from Govt of Guyana and Patrol boats for Fisheries Department of Bangladesh, to support the vision of ‘SAGAR’, bear testimony to GRSE’s thrust for exports and realigning marketing strategies to match with the dynamic global environment. These orders were bagged through competitive bidding with international players in the fray.

GRSE & Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata jointly inaugurated the GRSEKPDD Khidderpore Dry Dock Unit in Kolkata for the development & utilisation of three existing dry docks. The project aims to explore new business opportunities in ship repair & refit of defence & commercial segments leading to revenue generation and contributing to skill development, infrastructure upgrade and employment generation in West Bengal.

Taking a revolutionary step towards reducing the Carbon emission in the water transport sector, GRSE associated with the Government of West Bengal for design and construction of Next Generation Electric Ferry. The zero-emission full electric ferry is designed to carry 150 passengers with provision of air conditioning sitting arrangements.

The Art of Warship Design

GRSE’s in-house design capability remains its major area of strength with the multi-disciplinary 100-plus design team working towards developing various concept designs for current and future warship projects aided by state-of-the-art Virtual Reality Lab. Offshore Patrol Vessel, Landing Craft Utilities, Survey Vessels (Large) and ASW Shallow Water Crafts have been designed in-house by GRSE. VR Lab resolves design issues in a very short time with reliability and accuracy. The lab also shows 3D models in virtual environment to assist the production and customers to get faster approval of the ship system. The company’s Design and R&D Department has received recognition from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, for its performance.

GRSE has its competitive edge as the shipyard has modernised infrastructures to undertake integrated shipbuilding using advanced modular construction technology to facilitate construction of larger ships in reduced timeframe. With modernised infrastructure facilities across three production locations, GRSE is today in a position to construct 20 Warships concurrently using Advanced Modular Integrated Shipbuilding Technology in line with the best in the world.

Engineering

The Bailey Bridge division of the company has been keeping pace with the ship division in its R&D efforts in designing and developing new products. The division has developed and successfully carried out trials of new products including first-ofits-kind Man Portable Pedestrian Assault Bridge, which is made of light weight carbon fibre reinforced composite material for the Indian Army, 140 feet Double Lane (7.50 m wide) and 190 feet Single Lane modular bridge, both being 70R class load capacity and made of 7 feet panels.

GRSE is the only organisation in India qualified by DGQA, for the prestigious Green Channel Certification for the Bailey Type Portable Steel Bridges. So far, GRSE has supplied more than 5,500 portable steel bridges to Indian Army, Border Road Organization, State PWDs, Central Government and friendly neighbourhood countries.

Digital India Initiatives

To maintain its competitive edge, the company is shifting to smart manufacturing (Industry 4.0), through thrust on innovations in automation, robotics and the industrial internet of things. It is also introducing Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Interoperability and secured connectivity enabling real time monitoring. This control and optimisation of processes, resources and systems is expected to help in workload consolidation across design, production & supply chain management, significantly in the future.

In its journey towards digitisation in strengthening the operation and shipbuilding efficiency, GRSE in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur has developed an AI Enabled Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) mechanism which aims to replace manual inspection with automated inspection by using Industry 4.0 techniques such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Deep Learning. A first-of-its-kind AI-based HR Chatbot ‘Ask ANVESHA’ by GRSE was launched to provide employees digital access to their personal documents. The cloudbased Chatbot enables employees to access individual data like Payslip, PF statement, Form-16 etc.

Adopting the latest technology with respect to security of infrastructure and other assets, GRSE has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled high end CCTV network across its five units in Kolkata apart from other initiatives such as Face Recognition System, Document Management System (DMS) for paperless environment etc. 

Indian Coast Guard commissioned ALH Mk-III squadron

The Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III squadron, was commissioned by DG Shri VS Pathania at ICG Air Station, Chennai. The commissioning of 840 Sqn (CG) is indicative of the leap towards self-reliance in the field of helicopter manufacturing, in line with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. It will provide a major fillip to the abilities of Indian Coast Guard in the security sensitive waters off Tamil Nadu and Andhra region.

The ALH Mk-III helicopters are indigenously manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and it features state-of-the-art equipment including advanced RADAR as well as Electro optical sensors, Shakti engines, full glass cockpit, high-intensity search light, advanced communication systems, automatic identification system as well as search-and-rescue homer. This feature enables the helicopter to undertake maritime reconnaissance as well as to carry out search and rescue at extended ranges while operating from ships, both by day and night.

The aircraft has the ability to switch roles from an offensive platform with a heavy machine gun to that of a benign one carrying a Medical Intensive Care Unit to facilitate the transfer of critically ill patients. A total of 16 ALH Mk-III aircraft have been inducted into the Indian Coast Guard in a phased manner and four of these aircraft are positioned in Chennai. Since induction, the squadron has flown over 430 hours and conducted numerous operational missions. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils indigenous trainer aircraft HTT-40

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled HTT-40, an indigenous trainer aircraft designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), at the India Pavilion during the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel were among those present on the occasion. The aircraft has state-of-the-art contemporary systems and has been designed with pilot-friendly features. With over 60 percent in-house parts and collaboration of private industry, it is a shining example of the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

The HTT-40 would be used for basic flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying, and close formation flights whereas its secondary roles would include navigation and night flying. It is a testament to the cutting-edge technology designed to meet the primary training requirements of the Indian defence services. It is built around a meticulously tested turbo-prop engine, the aircraft is equipped with the latest avionics, an air-conditioned cabin, and ejection seats. It boasts unique features like running changeover of pilots, hot-refuelling, and short-turnaround time. All the tests required for certification were completed in a record six years from the first flight.

The HTT-40 has completed all systems tests, all PSQR performances, hot weather, sea level, and crosswind trials, and user-assisted technical trials. It demonstrated rainwater resistance. 

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DRDO displayed weapons, equipment & technologies in DefExpo2022

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) displayed a wide range of 430 products encompassing the strategic and tactical weapon systems, defence equipment and technologies developed in DefExpo 2022, which was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The major theme for this year’s DRDO participation is based on 3D (DRDO, Designed and Developed) ecosphere that will highlight its strong linkages with both Industry as well as Academia.

DRDO has exhibited numerous static displays, live demonstrations, seminars as well as immersive experience zones spread across three locations including the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Helipad Exhibition Centre, and Sabarmati River Front.

It had 17 display zones of various classes including Immersive Zones and Experience Zones to showcase 376 products. These 17 zones are namely Engines & Propulsion, Aerospace & Aeronautics (UAVs, fighter aircrafts, aircraft for surveillance etc.), Sensors, Devices & Advanced Electronics, Naval Weapons & Systems (EW systems and Sensors), Armoured Vehicles & Land Systems, Armament, Guns & Ammunition, Materials, Missiles (Cruise, MBRLs, AAM, ATGM & MRSAM), BrahMos, Industry Partners in R&D (17 Partners-3 Start-ups &14 MSMEs), Soldier Support and Dual Use Technologies (Soldier support, LS products, Fire protection, Firefighting, Fuel & Energy, Food products etc.), Experience Zone (Simulator, Virtual Reality and AudioVisual), Software AI & Cyber, Academic Zone, Academic Outreach, Industry Outreach and Public Interface.

Several technologies developed for land based, naval and air-based systems were showcased through experience zones – a closed-room immersive cinematic experience. In the first, Advanced Combat Aircraft (AMCA) simulators were also made available for experience, among other augmented and virtual reality Naval, Land and Air product simulators. A holographic deck providing a 3D experience of over 30 defence products was present at the hall to gain insights into the intricacies of weapon designs. 18 Outdoor static exhibits (actual products) were also put on display at the Helipad Exhibition Centre. These include Border Surveillance System (BOSS), Laser Fence System(LFS), IRDE Tableau, BrahMos Air Version Missile, Mobile Autonomous Launcher(MAL) for BrahMos, CBRN Water Purification System, Infantry Combat Vehicle with Composite Hull (CICV), Advanced Composites Modular Bridge System(ACMBS), 155mmX52 Cal Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), CBRN Water Purification System, CBRN Recce Vehicles, 70 T Tank Transporter, Wheeled Armoured Platform(WhAP), Prahar Missile, Rudram III Missile, Quick reaction Surface to Air Missile(QRSAM), Medium Range Surface to Air Missile(MRSAM), Mounted Gun System(MSG), Unmanned Ground Mobile Platform(UGMP).

DRDO has also displayed 22 products on static display. These high-value products were actual products which include – VIBHAV- Anti Tank Point Attack Munition, VISHAL- Anti Tank Bar Mine, PRACHAND- Anti Tank, 9 x 19 mm Machine Pistol- ASMI, Mine Field marking Equipment Mk II, Light Tank, Daksh Defuser, MBT Arjun Mk-1A, Light Machine Gun, Pralay, QRSAM, Carbine- 5.56x 45 mm, AIP System- Air Independent Propulsion, TAPAS, ASTRA Mk-I, LCA Mk2 amongst others. 

AWEIL Poised to make Futuristic Weapons Systems

Rajesh Choudhary

Chairman and Managing Director, Advanced Weapons & Equipment India Limited (AWEIL)

AWEIL has identified ‘Exports’ and ‘Offsets’ as one of its thrust areas and has drawn up plans to offer select products and systems to various export markets. AWEIL is giving more thrust to harness the export potential of its products, systems and solutions that represent its core areas of business. AWEIL is poised to take on the manufacture of futuristic weapon systems. Towards this, AWEIL team is committed to hone new skills and create necessary infrastructure. AWEIL will be offering the foreign friendly countries viable, cost effective and cutting-edge solutions, niche technologies and emerging platforms of advanced weapon systems. said Rajesh Choudhary, Chairman and Managing Director, AWEIL.

AWEIL got its first export order from a European firm for major sub-assemblies of artillery guns earlier this year. How does the company focus on export business?

AWEIL has been continuously and consistently putting up its best efforts to progress towards the vision of Government of India towards defence exports. All out efforts are being made to tap new markets across the globe. AWEIL has identified ‘Exports’ and ‘Offsets’ as one of its thrust areas and has drawn up plans to offer select products and systems to various export markets. AWEIL is giving more thrust to harness the export potential of its products, systems and solutions that represent its core areas of business.

Further, AWEIL is poised to take on the manufacture of futuristic weapon systems. Towards this, AWEIL team is committed to hone new skills and create necessary infrastructure. AWEIL will be offering the foreign friendly countries viable, cost effective and cutting-edge solutions, niche technologies and emerging platforms of advanced weapon systems. AWEIL believes that the modern infrastructure facilities available at its manufacturing units coupled with its vast expertise, gives it a significant edge over other competitors in International Market.

How does AWEIL support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector?

AWEIL has given impetus towards the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government in the defence sector by giving strong thrust on Research & Development, engaging MSMEs and start-ups of the country for establishing a stable supply chain mechanism for its indigenous weapons. AWEIL has crafted a niche in the field of in-house design and manufacturing of artillery gun systems as well as small arms. Indigenisation is always on the primary focus of AWEIL

and is perfectly aligned with Government of India`s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Overall Indigenization level of AWEIL products is 94%.

The company relentlessly works towards developing and designing new era weapons for the requirement of Indian Armed Forces and security forces. AWEIL has signed number of MoUs with Foreign OEMs (DIS, Sudan & Elbit, Israel), Private Defence Companies (L&T defence, KSSL & TASL), Industry Associations (TIDCO & GCCI), Umbrella MoUs (BEL & MIDHANI), Product Specific MoUs ( BEML), Academia (IIT Madras & IIIT DM) & DPSUs (AVNL, MIL, YIL, TCL & IOL). Modernisation and capacity augmentation is carried out to support the indigenisation efforts of the organisation.

Many products of the AWEIL including the Dhanush 155x45 mm guns are of global standards. What are the main focus areas and growth strategies of the company in the years ahead?

Existing business segments such as Artillery Gun Systems, Mortars, Naval Guns, Small arms and Ammunition Hardware will continue to drive AWEIL’s growth in the coming years. Meanwhile, AWEIL is also putting its continual efforts in R&D and focusing on developing next generation weapon systems including 155mm x 52Cal Towed Gun System, 155mm x 52Cal Mounted Gun System, 105 mm Mounted Gun System, 40mm Close-in-Weapon-System (CIWS), 30mm Air Defence Gun, 60mm Mortar, 81mm Long Range Mortar, 8.6 X 70mm Sniper Rifle in collaboration with other industry leaders for domestic as well global markets.

AWEIL strives to shift to smart manufacturing with utilisation of innovations in automation, Industry 4.0, IIOT, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning which enables real time monitoring, control and optimisation of processes, resources and system to carry out workload consolidation across all spheres of operations.

An earlier version of the Carl-Gustaf, the M3, is being manufactured in India by AWEIL in partnership with Sweden’s Saab. Could you shed some light onto the company’s foreign collaborations?

As a part of its Global Outreach AWEIL is endeavouring to forge alliance with foreign companies to accomplish the ‘Make in India’ mission of Government of India. AWEIL also looks forward to focus on offset as a potential avenue to enhance its revenue generation. AWEIL is interacting with many foreign OEMs through the interaction organised by DDP as well as by AWEIL on its own, to meet Offset obligations in various RFPs based on the Offset policy included in the Defence Procurement Procedure. Simultaneously, AWEIL has identified partnership in supply chain of foreign OEMs and partnership in the form of ToT/Co-production of the latest weapon systems as an area of emerging export opportunities and establish long term relationship with the global players.

Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue held in New Delhi

The Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III squadron, was commissioned by DG Shri VS Pathania at ICG Air Station, Chennai. The commissioning of 840 Sqn (CG) is indicative of the leap towards self-reliance in the field of helicopter manufacturing, in line with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. It will provide a major fillip to the abilities of Indian Coast Guard in the security sensitive waters off Tamil Nadu and Andhra region.

The ALH Mk-III helicopters are indigenously manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and it features state-of-the-art equipment including advanced RADAR as well as Electro optical sensors, Shakti engines, full glass cockpit, high-intensity search light, advanced communication systems, automatic identification system as well as search-and-rescue homer. This feature enables the helicopter to undertake maritime reconnaissance as well as to carry out search and rescue at extended ranges while operating from ships, both by day and night.

The aircraft has the ability to switch roles from an offensive platform with a heavy machine gun to that of a benign one carrying a Medical Intensive Care Unit to facilitate the transfer of critically ill patients. A total of 16 ALH Mk-III aircraft have been inducted into the Indian Coast Guard in a phased manner and four of these aircraft are positioned in Chennai. Since induction, the squadron has flown over 430 hours and conducted numerous operational missions.

HAL Releases Orders Worth Rs 52 Crore at DefExpo 2022

Laying major thrust towards Indigenisation, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) released Project Sanction Orders to domestic Indian Partners to the tune of Rs 52 Crore, during DefExpo 2022.

Dr Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary, handed over the Orders to Industry partners at a programme held at the HAL Stall, in the presence of C B Ananthakrishnan, CMD, HAL. The domestic Indian partners will now manufacture the LRUs which were being imported till now.

The Indian industry partners will indigenously design and develop parts like Infra-Red Radiation Suppression Systems, Engine Air Intake Particle Separator, Emergency Flotation System and Night Vision Goggles for Light Utility Helicopter and others.

The Defence Secretary also launched the Indigenisation Supplier Relationship Management Portal (I-SuRe) on the occasion. The portal is the new digital initiative to boost the indigenization initiatives of HAL and will facilitate faster collaboration between HAL and the Indian industry partners.

HAL has strategically shifted from Transfer of Technology based manufacturing system to indigenous development by involving industry partners. The success stories in indigenising 75 items are captured in the form of the Album. The Defence Secretary released the album.