Bangalore, Sept 1 (IANS) Indian aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and European aerospace leader EADS (European Aeronautics Defence and Space) Friday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for long-term co-operation and joint marketing strategies.

The MoU, signed by HAL chairman Ashok K. Baweja and EADS CEO Tom Enders here, envisages expanding co-operation in new market segments and joint analysis of the aerospace business in the sub-continent.

"In the coming months, we will conduct a joint analysis of mid-term and long-term strategies in the key segments of aerospace business to determine how both the partners can team up and benefit from each other's expertise," Baweja said on the occasion.

Enders said as long-term partners, HAL and EADS have been involved in manufacturing helicopters and passenger jets. The design skills and technological capabilities of HAL make it a valuable partner for global co-operation in aerospace and defence.

HAL managing director (Bangalore complex) A.K. Saxena said the MoU would define the products to be jointly developed for domestic and export markets.

"HAL will benefit from teaming up with a global player like EADS to develop technologies and products for global players through joint marketing strategies," Saxena said.

In the helicopter space, Eurocopter, owned by EADS, has recently sub-contracted the production of airframes for its Ecureuil type versions to HAL. The first airframe is scheduled for delivery by this year-end.

Incidentally, India is the first country with which Eurocopter had signed a licence for technology transfer. The Indian defence ministry has shortlisted Fennec, the military version of the Ecureuil series, to replace the Cheetah/Chetak fleet of the army in the near future.

"Since Eurocopter collaborated with HAL in the development of its flagship product - the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) - christened Dhruv, it has expressed willingness to develop 10T helicopter HAL plans to co-develop with a foreign partner for the Indian armed forces and market it for global customers," Saxena pointed out.

In the civil aviation segment, HAL has been making doors for A320 of Airbus Industries, in which EADS has 80 percent equity stake, over the last 15 years. Of the total contract to supply 600 sets of doors, HAL has delivered 300 so far.

"Airbus has placed an order recently with HAL for a new batch of A320 doors. HAL has also produced parts for the A320 nose undercarriage. The production of A340 emergency doors is due to start soon," Saxena added.

As a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services, EADS generated euro 34.2 billion in 2005. With a workforce of 113,000, the European firm is a major partner in the Eurofighter consortium and is a prime contractor for the Ariane space launcher.