Aviation

India gift navy plane to srilanka day before china spy ship docks there

The Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5 will dock at the southern port of Hambantota in the island country from August 16 to 22.

The Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5 will dock at the southern port of Hambantota in the island country from August 16 to 22. On Monday, India is scheduled to present a Dornier-228 maritime patrol aircraft to Sri Lanka.

Vice Admiral Satish N. Ghormade, vice head of the Indian Navy, is currently in Colombo for a two-day visit in order to attend the Dornier handing-over ceremony, which will be attended by senior Lankan officials, and to discuss ways to strengthen the bilateral defense ties between the two nations.

The Hindustan Aeronautics-built twin-engine Dornier-228 aircraft, which the Indian Navy and Coast Guard frequently utilize for maritime surveillance, will be flown by the Sri Lankan Air Force. According to sources on Sunday, Sri Lankan pilots and technicians have already received the necessary training to fly the aircraft in India.

In order to improve its maritime surveillance capabilities, Sri Lanka asked India for two Dornier-228 aircraft in 2018. The Dornier that will be given to the Indian Navy on Monday is part of their current fleet. The Chinese ballistic missile and satellite monitoring research ship had caused Sri Lanka to originally postpone its docking at Hambantota due to concerns from India, and now it has been addressed. It then made a U-turn, allowing the “spy” vessel to dock.

Related Topics:Do-228 india Navy plane Sri lanka

Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.