Philippines Interested in Acquiring HAL Dhruv Helicopters

02 Desember 2021

HAL Dhruv Mk III helicopter (photo : Indian Coast Guard)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has released a letter of interest from the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) for the acquisition of Dhruv helicopters.

According to HAL, PCG is interested in acquiring 7 helicopters and 8 Do-228 multifunctional light transport aircraft through the Government of India Credit Line.

PCG is looking for a twin-engine helicopter weighing up to 5 tons equipped with weather radar, baby bucket (firefighting), emergency flotation system, as well as an external loudspeaker, to carry out critical missions such as search and rescue, maritime patrol, surveillance between others.

PCG already operates the Airbus H145 helicopter in its fleet and the introduction of the Dhruv would provide extra mission capability.

Do 228 of the Indian Coast Guard (photo : Arjun Sarup)

The contracts with the Philippines represent the largest (possible) export of defense equipment from India. If both aircraft perform well and offer good maintenance/availability rates, other export orders may occur.

According to industry and market assessments, Manila's purchase of helicopters boiled down to a direct competition between two helicopters – the Dhruv MR and the Airbus Helicopters Panther AS565.

HAL revealed for the first time Manila's interest in purchasing these two “Made in India” platforms in its 2020-21 Annual Report. Now, HAL President R Madhavan confirmed to Business Standard : “Our prospects in the Philippines are good”.

“The two helicopters cost pretty much the same, but we're going to offer a better support package, including spare parts and HAL support. We will also offer Manila the option to make its own MRO. We will also set the price of Dhruv MR aggressively,” says Madhavan.

(Cavok)