Oct 14, 2015 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Associated Press; issued Oct 14, 2015)

QUITO, Ecuador --- Ecuador says it's unilaterally ending a contract with India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which sold seven military helicopters to the South American nation.

At least four of the Dhruv helicopters delivered between 2009 and 2012 have crashed. One was assigned to transport President Rafael Correa, though he wasn't in the aircraft at the time.

Defense Minister Fernando Cordero announced the action during a news conference Wednesday. He said two of the crashes were caused by mechanical failures. The three remaining Dhruv have been grounded. (end of excerpt)


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Sept. 23, 2013 by Greg Waldron – FG

Singapore - Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has placed follow-on orders worth Swedish kronor (SKr) 216 million (US$34 million) with Saab for a self defence system to be deployed on the Dhruv helicopters.

The two orders cover serial production of the system for use aboard Dhruvs operated by the Indian army and air force, says Saab.

“Saab’s Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) protects crew and aircraft and enhances the survivability in sophisticated, diverse and dense threat environments,” says the Swedish company. “The system provides a timely warning against different types of threats including radar, laser and missile approach warning; and automatically deploys the appropriate countermeasures.”

The deals follow initial serial production orders dating from 2008. Saab will commence delivery of units covered under the new contracts in 2014.