Bengaluru, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully completed the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) contract for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), marking a significant milestone for the company. In an exclusive interview, HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Ravi K, elaborated on various key defense projects, including the Tejas LCA Mark-1A, HTT-40 basic trainer, and the civil version of the ALH Dhruv helicopter.
Ravi expressed pride in completing the FOC contract, stating, “This is a proud moment for me as I was closely involved when I headed the division. We are now moving towards the next step, which is the delivery of the Mark-1A.” He also highlighted the urgent need for the HTT-40 by the Air Force, with deliveries beginning today.
The civil version of the ALH Dhruv is another major achievement for HAL. Ravi noted, “We have worked closely with the certifying agency to reach this stage, allowing us to enter the civil market. We have developed an ecosystem with private partners to manufacture parts for both military and civil use, making dual-use a reality.”
Regarding the Mark-1A, Ravi mentioned that integration work is still ongoing, particularly with radar and weapon systems. He emphasized that this integration is an iterative process, requiring multiple flight tests and software adjustments. “We are confident that we will meet the specifications required for delivery to the Air Force,” he added.
When asked about the delivery timeline for the 180 Mark-1A aircraft, Ravi explained that while engine deliveries have begun to improve, HAL has not halted aircraft production. “We already have 26-27 airframes ready. As engines become available, we will complete the deliveries,” he stated.
Ravi also touched on the engine supply chain, revealing that HAL has engaged with tier-one and tier-two suppliers to understand and address their challenges. He expressed optimism that these issues would be resolved soon, allowing for a smoother supply of engines next year.
On the topic of helicopters, Ravi emphasized that India is manufacturing a variety of helicopters, including the recently introduced IMRH and LUH. He conveyed confidence in entering the civil market, stating, “We aim to serve local needs first, such as medical evacuations and charters, before expanding to international markets.”
Finally, Ravi discussed the ongoing modernization of the Sukhoi aircraft, known as the Super Sukhoi program. He confirmed that HAL is collaborating with DRDO and private partners to upgrade over 40 systems, with final approvals expected soon.
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