NEW DELHI. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced a significant transfer of technology (ToT) agreement with German defence electronics firm HENSOLDT to co-develop a cutting-edge Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) for military helicopters. This LiDAR-based system enhances safety by accurately detecting obstacles such as wires, towers, and cables in low-visibility conditions, significantly reducing the risk of collisions during critical missions. The technology, leveraging patented fibre-scanner LiDAR, offers a detection probability of over 99.5% within the first second and can identify hazards at distances exceeding one kilometre, giving Indian pilots greater situational awareness in challenging environments.
The partnership finalised at the Dubai Airshow 2025, aims to enable HAL to manufacture, integrate, and support the OAS within India, using transferred design and intellectual property, and to export the system globally. This development aligns with India’s broader vision of strengthening its aerospace industry, fostering self-reliance, and enhancing indigenous defence capabilities. The initiative is especially significant for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, where HAL’s Korwa facility will play a key role in the co-development and production process, opening opportunities for regional suppliers in optics, embedded systems, and aviation components.
