Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to bolster its production capacity in a strategic move to meet the escalating demand for aircraft and position itself as a prominent global exporter. In an exclusive series, “On the Shop Floor,” with Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale, CB Ananthakrishnan, the Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, shared insights into the company’s plans.
Order Books
Commenting on the order books, CMD said that HAL has major orders, including 83 Mark 1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, 34 advanced light helicopters (LAH), 70 basic trainer aircraft, and 80 engine orders for RD33 that power the MiG series of aircraft. Additionally, the company is set to manufacture 240 new AL-31FP engines that will power Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet aircraft.
“These projects will be executed in three to four years, ” said Anathakrishnan during the interview conducted at the manufacturing facility of LCA Tejas aircraft in Banglore.
Providing details of the company’s plan, he said that to accommodate the growing demand for aircraft, HAL has increased its production capacity from eight to 16 aircraft annually at its Bangalore facility. The company has also developed private-sector partnerships for the supply of aircraft structures, especially for all four structures – rear, front, centre fuselage, and wings to further strengthen the supply chain.
“Notwithstanding these 16 numbers, we will ensure that the orders are executed on time and well ahead of time. That is why we decided to increase the numbers from 16 to further. With this idea, we have started the 3rd line in Nasik,” he disclosed.
HAL has started its third line in Nasik, which is expected to be operational between September and December this year. He revealed that the Nasik facility is designed to manufacture eight aircraft and will become fully operational from 2024 to 25.
“HAL plans to manufacture at least one or two more aircraft in this facility this year. As per the delivery schedule, the company expects to produce 16 aircraft this year,” Anathakrishnana said.
HAL aims to deliver 83 LCA one year before the contracted delivery schedule of 2028-29. The company has sufficient capacity to manufacture 24 aircraft per year, which will be used to manufacture LCA Mark 2 when the current LCA Mark 1A project is completed. HAL has also received an order for an additional 97 LCA Mark 1A, which perfectly fits into the plan of action, according to him.
Export Orders
Regarding HAL’s export scenario, CMD said that HAL is now focusing on export orders and has begun taking the export market seriously. The company’s range of products, including the LCA Tejas and a variety of helicopters, has generated interest in foreign customers. Five to six countries, including Argentina, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nigeria, have shown serious interest in HAL’s products.
“We are in the advanced stages of discussions with the Philippines, and hopefully, we will be successful there. We are in discussion with Egypt. Recently, discussions with Nigeria gained momentum,” he said, hoping that “with the HAL and government initiatives, we will have one breakthrough order sooner or later.”
HAL wants to be a full-spectrum technology company, creating and owning IPs, collaborating with private companies in the Indian defence sector, and undertaking research and development for futuristic products. The government’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence has given HAL new impetus in achieving its goals.
Team BharatShakti
