HAL-Hensoldt pact on OAS for Indian Military Helicopters.
HAL-Hensoldt Offer Obstacle Avoidance System for Indian Military Helicopters: Dubai, UAE – November 19, 2025 – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and HENSOLDT, a leading German provider of sensor solutions, have reached a significant milestone in defense collaboration with the signing of a major contract for the transfer of technology and integration of an advanced Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) for Indian military helicopters. The deal, announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025, marks a transformative step in Indo-German defense ties and strengthens India’s aerospace capabilities.
The contract, which includes the transfer of design and manufacturing intellectual property rights (IPRs), will see HENSOLDT’s state-of-the-art LiDAR-based OAS integrated into India’s fleet of military helicopters. The system is designed to enhance flight safety, provide real-time situational awareness, and enable safer operations in challenging environments, including brownout, whiteout, and degraded visual conditions.
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Enhancing Flight Safety and Mission Effectiveness
The core of the system is HENSOLDT’s SferiSense LiDAR Sensor Head Unit and its associated DVE Computer—tools that provide helicopter pilots with superior navigation cues and advanced synthetic vision. The OAS is specifically designed to reduce the risk of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), a major cause of helicopter accidents. This breakthrough technology is particularly crucial for operations in harsh terrain and low-visibility conditions, areas where traditional navigation systems often fail.
“We are extremely proud to be part of this historic collaboration, which will enhance the safety and operational capability of India’s helicopter fleet,” said Andleeb Shadman, Head of HENSOLDT’s Business Development for the India Region. “This partnership goes far beyond a conventional supply arrangement. It represents a strategic investment in India’s defense industrial ecosystem, with genuine technology transfer, shared intellectual property, and local manufacturing. By enabling HAL to produce and integrate this advanced technology, we are directly contributing to India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.”
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Indian Army’s HAL built Rudra Helicopter.
A Key Milestone in India’s Sovereign Defense Capabilities
The new OAS system will first be integrated into HAL’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and subsequently rolled out for the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and other Indian Armed Forces platforms. As part of the agreement, HAL will have exclusive rights to manufacture, integrate, and maintain the system for Indian military customers, with the additional ability to export the technology globally.
“This agreement is a testament to the performance and operational advantage of our LiDAR and DVE technology,” said Eugen Maier, Head of Sales for HENSOLDT’s Airborne Solutions. “Our OAS systems are already trusted by European helicopter fleets, providing unmatched detection capabilities and real-time situational awareness in the most demanding operational scenarios. With HAL as our partner, we are confident the Indian Armed Forces will gain access to the same high-performance technology, enhancing their mission success rates.”
The collaboration also positions India to join a select group of nations with the capability to develop and deploy sovereign LiDAR-based obstacle avoidance systems. This breakthrough comes at a time when India is focused on enhancing its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
Strengthening Indo-German Defense Ties
The agreement represents a significant step in strengthening Indo-German defense relations, with both countries committed to deepening their industrial and technological cooperation. By providing HAL with the necessary tools and expertise to integrate and manufacture the OAS domestically, HENSOLDT is playing a key role in India’s vision of becoming self-reliant in defense technologies.
“The partnership with HAL is not just about a single system,” added Shadman. “It’s about building long-term sovereign capabilities that will benefit India for years to come. Together, we are creating a robust, self-sustaining defense ecosystem.”
The deal is expected to boost HAL’s position as a key player in the global defense market, as the company will now be able to produce and export the OAS to other nations, further strengthening its role in India’s defense and aerospace sectors.
A Leap Forward for India’s Defense Industry
This agreement underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense technologies and highlights the importance of international collaborations in achieving self-sufficiency. As HAL and HENSOLDT move forward with the development and integration of the OAS, India’s military helicopter fleet will be equipped with cutting-edge technology that enhances safety, operational efficiency, and mission success.
With this new technology transfer agreement, India is poised to take a significant leap forward in its defense capabilities, making it one of the few countries worldwide to possess indigenous LiDAR-based obstacle avoidance systems for military helicopters.
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