Saab to Provide Self-Protection System for India’s Advanced Light Helicopter

Swedish defence and security company Saab has secured two orders, worth about SEK 216 million ($33m), from India-based Hindustan Aeronautic (HAL). As part of the deal, the company will provide an integrated electronic warfare self-protection system to equip the advanced light helicopter, which belongs to the Indian Army and Air force.

The company's integrated defensive aids suite (IDAS) will protect crew and aircraft, as well as enhance the survivability in sophisticated, diverse and dense threat environments. The system provides a timely warning against different types of threats such as radar, laser and missile approach, and automatically deploys the required counter measures.

The company will develop and produce IDAS system at its facility in Centurion, South Africa, while deliveries are expected to start in 2014. Saab senior vice-president and electronic defence systems head Micael Johansson said that the company has an unbeaten capability in the field of electronic warfare and self-protection.

"The IDAS system is one of our flagship products, sold to customers around the world," Johansson said. IDAS system has been successfully used in many airborne platforms, which include Saab 2000, Agusta-Westland A109, Super Lynx 300, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Denel Rooivalk and Oryx, Eurocopter Cougar.

The technology is also used in Puma & Super Puma, NH Industries NH90 C-130 and L100 Hercules and Sukhoi Su-30MKM. Saab India market head, Lars-Olof Lindgren, said: "The fact that HAL and the armed forces have continued to show faith in the IDAS system is a testimony of the effectiveness and reliability of the solution."
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