Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a leading Indian aerospace and defense company, recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to co-develop an advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite for its Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) program. HAL aims to find a capable industry partner to help design, develop, and certify this EW Suite. The project, led by HAL’s Strategic Electronics Research & Design Centre (SLRDC) in Hyderabad, will strengthen the survivability and combat effectiveness of the LCH.
Objective and Scope of the RFP
HAL’s primary goal is to create an EW Suite that will effectively protect the LCH by detecting, identifying, and countering threats. Specifically, this suite will include a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Missile Warning System (MWS), and Laser Warning System (LWS). Moreover, HAL seeks a Co-Development Partner (CDP) to collaborate on the suite from the initial design phase through to production and maintenance.
Overview of the process :
- Design & Development: HAL and the CDP will jointly handle the design, testing, qualification, and integration to ensure the suite’s functionality in live flight scenarios.
- Series Production: HAL’s Avionics Division will manage manufacturing operations, using the CDP’s transferred technology.
- Repair and Maintenance: The CDP will establish in-country maintenance capabilities and provide ROH (repair and overhaul) technology.
Key Phases
- Design & Development Phase: The EW suite’s development should complete within 30 months. HAL and the CDP will create prototypes, perform testing, and conduct flight integration. HAL requires the CDP to make modifications based on trial feedback at no extra cost.
- Production Phase: Production will start in 2026 with an initial requirement of around 195 EW suite sets. The CDP will transfer technology for HAL’s manufacturing units and phase production based on an annual supply schedule.
- Repair and Maintenance Phase: Establishing local repair capabilities is essential. The CDP will provide training and knowledge transfer so HAL’s Avionics Division can handle repairs effectively.
Requirements and Responsibilities of Co-Development Partner
The ideal CDP must meet strict qualifications, including the ability to produce at least two EW suite subsystems and demonstrate prior successful deployments. The CDP’s responsibilities include:
- Proven Capabilities: The EW suite should be flight-proven, with previous successful deployments in similar aerospace programs.
- Technology Transfer and Documentation: The CDP must transfer documentation to enable HAL’s in-country production and repair capabilities.
- Commitment to Indigenous Content: The CDP must ensure a minimum of 60% indigenous content, supporting local sourcing and skill-building.
Commercial and Compliance Requirements
To ensure price stability in the development phase, HAL carefully structured the commercial arrangement, while also allowing limited price escalation during production. Additionally, CDPs must submit a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and fully comply with all commercial terms, including security deposits, performance bonds, and warranties lasting up to 36 months.
Overall, this RFP clearly demonstrates HAL’s drive toward self-reliance and advanced defense technology. Furthermore, through this project, HAL aims to significantly improve operational capabilities while simultaneously promoting indigenous technology and manufacturing development in India.