The office in Malaysia will help HAL in tapping the new business opportunities for Fighter FLIT LCA and other requirements of RMAF like Su-30 MKM and Hawk upgrades.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for opening an office in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The office in Malaysia will help HAL in tapping the new business opportunities for Fighter Lead-in Trainer (FLIT) LCA and other requirements of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) like Su-30 MKM and Hawk upgrades. The memorandum will reinforce India’s commitment to supporting the Malaysian Defence Forces and industry for sustainable aerospace and defence landscape in Malaysia.
The MoU between the two parties was signed in the presence of Dr. Ajay Kumar, Secretary, Defence. The MoU was signed by Mr. Ravi K, GM, LCA, HAL and Major (R) Mohd Husairi Bin Mat Zain of Forte Drus, the official representative of HAL in Malaysia. Mr. B. N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India in Malaysia, Mr. Sanjay Jaju, Additional Secretary (Defence Production) and others were present on the occasion of the signing of the document.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Malaysia in October 2021 for the supply of 18 FLIT LCAs against a global tender issued by RMAF. 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.
HAL is one of the largest producers of Russian-origin Su-30 aircraft. This gives HAL the capabilities to extend the required support to RMAF for the Su-30 MKM fleet which is facing low serviceability issues due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited can also support the RMAF in upgrading their Hawk fleet. Other HAL platforms like HTT-40, Do-228, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) etc., have the potential to be inducted by RMAF in future.
With all the factors being Considered, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s office in Kuala Lumpur will take up the market promotion of HAL’s range of products and services in Malaysia as well as the entire South East Asia. The office will also contribute to increasing the serviceability of existing platforms being operated by RMAF and for neighbouring Air Forces in the region.
