HAL to study feasibility of setting up copter unit at Goa: Parrikar

Published March 17, 2015 | SOURCE: TNN

The Union defence ministry has asked public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to examine whether it is feasible to set up a helicopter manufacturing unit in Goa.

Speaking to media persons from Goa at south block in the defence ministry at Delhi, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said that he has asked HAL to put a business plan before the defence ministry for the purpose. If set up, it could be the countrys second helicopter manufacturing unit, he added.

At the Goa investment summit 2015 held last month, Parrikar had expressed interest to set up a helicopter manufacturing unit in the state.

Setting up defence-related projects in the state has been emphasized in the Goa investment policy which was finalized by Parrikar, when he was chief minister of the state.

Parrikar had also said that according to a study carried out, Goa was found to be a suitable place for setting up of helicopter manufacturing unit.

Recently, the defence minister had cleared the construction of eight minesweeper ships at the Goa shipyard limited (GSL) at an estimated cost of 32,000 crore.