KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 19): Bengaluru-headquartered Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an office in Kuala Lumpur.

According to The Economic Times on Thursday (Aug 18), the office in Malaysia will help HAL in tapping new business opportunities for fighter lead-in trainer light combat aircraft (FLIT LCA) and other requirements of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) like Su-30MKM and Hawk upgrades.

Citing a statement by HAL, it said: "This will reinforce the commitment of India to supporting the Malaysian defence forces and industry for a sustainable aerospace and defence landscape in Malaysia."

HAL submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence in October 2021 for the supply of 18 FLIT LCAs against a global tender issued by the RMAF.

"The final winner of the tender is expected to be declared soon by Malaysian authorities.

“LCA Tejas stands a fair chance of selection in the bid, as it meets all the parameters sought by the RMAF," according to HAL.

HAL said it can support the RMAF by upgrading their Hawk fleet as well. Other HAL platforms like the HTT-40, Do-228, advanced light helicopter, and light combat helicopter have the potential to be inducted by the RMAF in future.

"Considering the above factors, HAL's office in Kuala Lumpur will take up market promotion of HAL's range of products and services not only in Malaysia, but in the entire Southeast Asia," HAL said.

The office will also contribute in increasing serviceability of existing platforms being operated by the RMAF, and for neighbouring air forces in the region.