HAL Partners with German Firm for Cutting-Edge Helicopter Safety Tech

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In a significant move to bolster India's defense capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a deal with Hensoldt Sensors, a German company, to acquire design technology for an advanced obstacle avoidance system for helicopters. The contract was inked at the Dubai airshow and covers the transfer of intellectual property rights, including manufacturing and repair capabilities for the system. The partnership aims to augment India's indigenous ecosystem for developing technology in obstacle collision avoidance systems, including degraded visual environment systems. HAL and Hensoldt will collaborate on designing, manufacturing, integrating, and testing the system, which has the potential for export. The LiDAR-based helicopter obstacle avoidance system (OAS) provides pilots with real-time situational awareness and advanced navigation cues, significantly reducing the risk of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and enabling missions in harsh environments. The system will first be integrated into HAL's light combat helicopter (LCH), followed by the advanced light helicopter (ALH) and other Indian armed forces platforms. HAL chief DK Sunil said, "This partnership will enable India to develop and own an advanced OAS technology, a capability mastered by only a few countries." Hensoldt head of sales, Eugen Maier, added, "This partnership goes beyond a conventional supply arrangement, representing a strategic investment in India's defense industrial ecosystem through genuine technology transfer, shared IP, and local manufacturing.