Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned aerospace manufacturer, signed a contract with Hensoldt Sensors GmbH for the transfer of design, intellectual property rights, and manufacturing capability for an Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) and Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) technology for helicopter platforms. The agreement was concluded on 19 November 2025 at the Dubai Air Show.
The collaboration covers design transfer, manufacturing, integration, testing, and repair capability for a LiDAR-based OAS, a system used to support helicopter operations in challenging visibility conditions. The company stated that the transferred technology will be indigenised and developed for deployment across its rotary-wing platforms.
The contract was signed by Ravi Prakash, Executive Director (HAL-Korwa), and Eugen Maier, Head of Sales, Airborne Solutions, HENSOLDT, in the presence of Ravi K, Director (Operations), HAL, Andleeb Shadman, Head of HENSOLDT Business Development for the India Region, and other senior officials.
“This partnership will augment the indigenous ecosystem for the development of technology for obstacle collision avoidance systems, including Degraded Visual Environment systems in India,” said D. K. Sunil, Chair and Managing Director of HAL. “This agreement will ensure that India develops and owns a LiDAR-based helicopter Obstacle Avoidance System—an advanced capability that only a few countries have mastered.”
HAL stated that the system is intended to enhance operational safety during low-visibility missions and will be integrated into existing and future helicopter programmes. The company added that the collaboration includes potential export opportunities for both OAS and DVE systems.
The contract was signed by senior representatives from both organisations during the air show. HAL was represented by its Korwa division, while Hensoldt was represented by its airborne solutions and India business development teams.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is an Indian aerospace and defence company engaged in the design, manufacture, maintenance, and upgrade of aircraft, helicopters, avionics, and related systems.
