Record number of MoUs signed at DefExpo; HAL getc IOC for Light Utility Helicopter

Feb 7, 2020

Lucknow: A record number of over 200 MoUs, Transfer of Technology (ToTs) and Product launches were concluded on the third day of DefExpo 2020, prompting Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to remark that Uttar Pradesh would emerge as a Defence Manufacturing hub.

Highlight of the event was the issuing of the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) certificate of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). LUH is designed and developed as a replacement for Cheetah & Chetak helicopters which are currently being operated by Indian Armed forces.

Among the MoUs signed today, 23 were by the Uttar Pradesh Government. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said these documents envisage Rs 50,000 crores investment in the defence corridor setup in the state, which would generate 3 lakh job opportunities. He assured that investments coming to the state were secure and the state investment policy was the most attractive in the country. He also announced that HAL would soon supply Dornier 19-seater civilian aircraft to U.P.

The Defence Minister described the signing of MoUs as a step in the direction to achieve Prime Minister’s $5 billion defence exports target in next 5 years. The Defence PSUs and the Indian defence private industry were better placed today to lead India as the emerging R&D hub of the world leveraging the sharp minds of Indian youth, he said, adding that the liberalised licensing regime brought out by the government would surely attract large investments by both Indian and global companies.

Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar said that this DefExpo would be remembered for many firsts – including for the signing of largest number of MoUs, ToTs and product launches. Bandhan ceremony witnessed more than 13 product launches, 124 MoUs between DPSUs, private and global defence manufacturing companies. 23 MoUs were signed between the UP Government and private companies.

Sateesh Reddy, Secretary, Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation, said that it was DRDO’s duty to ensure that the Defence corridor in Uttar Pradesh flourishes, hence DRDO signed a Technological partnership agreement with the state government, imparting skill training, hand holding and providing guidance in all aspects related to technology. A collaboration cell has already been setup in the state to facilitate the process. He also announced that a Research and Development centre would be setup in the state that would act as a catalyst with respect to defence development.

Technology transfer was made available at no cost to companies in order to further the defence ecosystem in the country. Further, the patents held by DRDO were given free to Indian companies to further develop technologies that would benefit Indian companies, he said.

Light Uitility Helicopetr(LUH) for which the HAL got the IOC, is a new generation helicopter in the 3-Ton class incorporating the state-of-the-art technology features which will meet the emerging needs in this class of helicopters in the coming decades.

OFB launched “Sharang” the 155mm artillery gun with 36 km range and handed over a model to Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane. OFB also launched JVPC Alpha gun with 100 mt range, Light Machine Gun of 800 mt range and UBGL – Under barrel Grenade launcher.

BDL launched Amogha-3 the anti-Tank Guided Missile. It is a man portable fire and forget missile. BDL also launched Varunastra – the anti-submarine torpedo, manufactured under the technological guidance of DRDO.

–India News Stream