Hindustan Aeronautics To Set Up New Office In Malaysia
The office in Malaysia will enable the aerospace and defence manufacturer to tap into new business opportunities.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding for establishing an office in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
The office in Malaysia will enable the aerospace and defence manufacturer to tap into new business opportunities for Fighter Lead-in Trainer light combat aircraft and other requirements of the Royal Malaysian Air Force like Su-30 MKM and Hawk upgrades, the Bengaluru-headquartered company said in a statement on Thursday.
"It will reinforce commitment of India in supporting the Malaysian defence forces and industry for sustainable aerospace and defence landscape in Malaysia," it added.
HAL had submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence, Malaysia in October 2021 for the supply of 18 Fighter Lead-in Trainer LCAs against a global tender issued by the Malaysia airforce.
"The final winner of the tender is expected to be declared soon by Malaysian authorities. LCA Tejas stands a fair chance of selection in the bid as it meets all the parameters sought by RMAF," according to HAL.
Further, being one of the largest producers of Russian origin Su-30 aircraft, HAL said it has the capabilities to extend the required support to RMAF for Su-30 MKM fleet which is facing low serviceability issues due to ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis.
HAL can support RMAF for upgrading their Hawk fleet as well. Other HAL platforms like HTT-40, Do-228, Advanced Light Helicopter, and Light Combat Helicopter have the potential to be inducted by RMAF in the future, the statement said.
"Considering the above factors, HAL’s office in Kuala Lumpur will take up market promotion of the company's range of products and services not only in Malaysia but in the entire South East Asia," it said. The office will also contribute to increasing serviceability of existing platforms being operated by RMAF and for neighbouring Air Forces in the region, it was stated.
The MoU was signed by Ravi K, general manager, LCA at HAL and Major (R) Mohd Husairi Bin Mat Zain of Forte Drus, the official representative of HAL in Malaysia.
Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, High Commissioner of India in Malaysia B N Reddy and Additional Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjay Jaju, were among those present on the occasion.