Aero India 2017: SAAB announces $8.5 million partnership with HAL

The contract will see the transfer of technology for in-country maintenance of Saab’s Integrated Defensive Aids Suite system in India

A new partnership between Sweden's SAAB subsidiary Saab Grintek Defense and the avionics division of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for transfer of technology between South Africa and India was announced at Aero India 2017 on Friday. SGD, a subsidiary of Saab, the makers of Gripen fighter jets, have signed a contract valued at $8.5 million. The contract will see the transfer of technology for in-country maintenance of Saab's Integrated Defensive Aids Suite system in India.

IDAS has been selected as the electronic warfare self-protection system for the Indian Air Force and Indian Army Aviation Corps variants of the HAL's Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. The contract provides for the supply and commissioning of test infrastructure at HAL's base in Hyderabad along with documentation and training of HAL personnel in both South Africa, and Hyderabad.

"The export of this technology to India bodes well for future manufacturing and skills transfers, and for building an ongoing mutually beneficial partnership in line with the 'Make in India' initiative," said Trevor Raman, president and CEO of Saab Grintek Defence.

The Transfer of Technology programme will run for 24 months and will qualify HAL Hyderabad as a Saab-approved IDAS repair facility. HAL will focus on maintenance and repair of IDAS equipment for the Indian end-users.

Saab will continue to support HAL Hyderabad with critical spares and proprietary components for the entire service life of IDAS. The contract follows a long term business agreement signed by SGD and HAL in 2005, which provides for the delivery of IDAS equipment by SGD, based on annual orders. Series production of IDAS systems at SGD is currently underway with more than 200 ordered to date.

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