DRDO Chief V K Saraswat: DRDO has capability to manufacture any advanced system; Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to supply 20 multirole Cheetal choppers to Indian Army
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    • In the backdrop of Agusta Westland VVIP choppers controversy, DRDO on February 20 said it has the capability to manufacture such helicopters. DRDO Chief V K Saraswat said, "We have capability to manufacture any system. We are manufacturing LCH (Light Compact Helicopter). We have already manufactured ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) and our own aircraft." "There is no dearth of capability and capacity of manufacturing any advanced technology system," he added. Saraswat however, contended that the concept of 100 per cent indigenization is neither practical nor cost effective in a global world. 1

    Meanwhile, according to reports, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on February 22 said it will supply 20 multirole Cheetal helicopters to the Indian Army at an estimated value of Rs.418 crore. The company’s statement said, "We have signed a contract with the defence ministry to supply 20 Cheetals to the army over the next four years besides providing training to its pilots and technical crew." Cheetal is an upgraded variant of its earlier Cheetah chopper. It is equipped with the fuel-efficient Turbomeca turboshaft engine for 90kg payload at an altitude of 6km. According to the statement Cheetal can operate up to 7km altitude and has 640km range with an endurance of nearly four hours. The helicopter will meet many of Indian army’s requirements with its ability to serve in missions such as personnel transport, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and aerial survey, logistic air support, rescue operations. 2

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