C O N T E N T S W E A P O N S E Q U I P M E N T V E H I C L E S CONCEPTS & PERSPECTIVES
EUROCOPTER
The clear objective behind the emphasis on the importance of indigenization of the Indian defence industry is to achieve selfreliance and reduce dependence on imports. This is also why greater emphasis is now being laid on transfer of technology and increased participation of the private sector. Given this scenario, only a company willing and able to offer cooperation programmes based on long term commitment and equal partnership can be successful in India. We have supported the Indian Aerospace industry for over 4 decades and will continue
How do you view the defence offset clauses in India? Fulfilling 50% offset obligations is definitely a challenge but we understand the needs of the Indian market and shall work to fulfill the offset obligations with the best possible solutions We do not take the technology transfer and associated timelines to be a hindrance,
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2008-2009
38th Year of Issue
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B U S I N E S S
to partner with India in every possible way. With the Indian aerospace industry now in entering a phase of expansion, it offers immense opportunities for all stakeholders. By participating in the key RFPs with the best of our products, we are offering India th ebest ofour products and technology. We hope to continue to help India in developing a strengthened aerospace industry.
I N D I A N D E F E N C E
The Indian MoD has, of late, laid great emphasis on indigenization of the defence industry? Given this, how does Eurocopter plan to consolidate its position?
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A S I A N W H O ’ S W H O
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urocopter has had a long and fruitful association with India for over four decades. India was, infact, the first nation with which Eurocopter signed a licence agreement including technology transfer. Eurocopter’s has had a partnership with India’s leading local industrial company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) since 1962 through two co-operation agreements. The relationship started with enabling HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters of the Alouette 3 and Lama type and strengthened further with Eurocopter outsourcing exhaustive Ecureuil work packages to HAL for the global market. In 1984, HAL associated Eurocopter in the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter, a twin-engined, 5-tonne transport helicopter. Today, HAL is part of Eurocopter global supply chain by producing Ecureuil/ Fennec airframes, joining the ranks of very few select tier I suppliers.. Through partners like HAL, Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited and Global Vectra Helicorp, our partnerships in India have extended across both public and private enterprises. These partnerships span both civil and military domains, covering the
entire spectrum of helicopter activities, from manufacturing to operations, maintenance and product support Through the EC-India co-operation, Eurocopter has helped create locally a highly skilled technical workforce. Also, recognizing the increasing need for having qualified helicopter pilots, we are actively supporting the Indian government in setting up state-ofthe-art helicopter pilot’s training facilities.
R E G I O N A L B A L A N C E
How has your association with India been so far?
T E C H N O L O G Y
A long association with India