Saab receives follow-on orders on self-protection system for the Indian Dhruv helicopter

Saab, through its local South African company, Saab Grintek Defence has received follow-on orders from Hindustan Aeronautic Limited, India, for serial production of an integrated electronic warfare self-protection system for installation on the Indian Army’s and Air Force’s Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv.

The orders have a total value of approximately R940million.

Saab’s Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) protects crew by enhancing platform survivability in sophisticated, diverse and dense threat environments. The system provides timely warning against radar, laser and infrared guided threats and automatically deploys the appropriate countermeasures.

“HAL and the Indian end users remain one of Saab Grintek Defence’s most important customers and we are delighted that they have continued faith in the IDAS system, of which this follow on order is a clear indication,” says Chris Skinner, Vice President and Head of Marketing, Sales & Commercial, Saab Grintek Defence.

Production of the IDAS system will take place at Saab Grintek Defence in Centurion with deliveries taking place during the years 2015 to 2018.

In addition to the production orders received, Saab also received orders for IDAS ground support and test equipment for the Advanced Light Helicopter program.

The system has a long and successful history with proven capability on many airborne platforms such as the Saab 2000, Agusta-Westland A109, Super Lynx 300, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Denel Rooivalk and Oryx, Eurocopter Cougar, Puma and Super Puma, NH Industries NH90, C-130 and L100 Hercules, Sukhoi Su-30MKM. Deliveries are ongoing for the HAL Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv.

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