BENGALURU - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Bengaluru site on Saturday to inspect the progress of the indigenous Tejas jet program. This visit underscores India's push to bolster local manufacturing and achieve greater autonomy in its defense capabilities.
HAL is actively involved in high-value repair and overhaul (ROH) operations for aircraft such as Jaguars and Mirages and manufactures Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Light Combat Aircraft (LCAs), and helicopters like the Advanced Light Helicopter-Dhruv and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The company has recently been preparing its Nashik lines to increase the output of LCA Mk-1As, aiming to advance delivery timelines by a year due to an Indian Air Force (IAF) order worth Rs. 48,000 crore. Additionally, HAL is gearing up for a potential deal worth ₹67,000 crore for more LCAs, as per a statement by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in October. This would increase production capacity to up to 24 aircraft annually and prepare for a forthcoming contract to produce 156 LCHs following the manufacturing of the initial 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) versions.
The visit also comes at a time when HAL is strategizing an organizational restructuring aimed at boosting exports with a dedicated CEO-ranked official focusing on international markets such as Argentina and Egypt. The company offers advanced light helicopters and Mk-1A fighter jets among other products.
In addition to reviewing domestic production efforts, Modi's evaluation will include HAL's international partnerships on engine development with GE Aerospace from the United States and Safran (EPA:SAF) from France.
The Tejas jet initiative has been pivotal for India's defense sector, especially following a significant deal inked with GE Aerospace for Mk-II Tejas engine production after Modi's diplomatic engagement with the US earlier this year. This deal contributed to India's defense exports soaring to Rs 15,920 crore in the financial year 2022-2023.
The modernization of Sukhoi-30 aircraft is also on HAL's agenda, involving an upgrade valued at Rs.65,000 crore that includes equipping them with Uttam AESA radars developed indigenously, electronic warfare suites, and contemporary avionics systems.
Modi's upcoming inspection is viewed as a key moment for India’s defense industry as it continues to develop self-reliance in technology and aims to position itself as a significant player in the global defense market.
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