HAL | IMR

HAL to Boost Su-30MKI Engine Output, Launch New Shakti Line

IMR Reporter — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:18:23 +0000

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will significantly expand its engine production
capacity, raising annual output of AL-31FP engines for the Indian Air Force’s Su-
30MKI fleet from 30 to 50 units. At the same time, HAL will establish a second
production line for the Shakti helicopter engine at its Koraput division, which recently
crossed the milestone of manufacturing 2,000 engines.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who attended the ceremony, announced that the
new Shakti line will be set up at a cost of ₹218 crore and will have the capacity to
produce up to 100 engines annually by 2028–29. The Shakti engine, co-developed
with French firm Safran, powers the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, its armed
Rudra variant, and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter. The expansion comes as
the armed forces prepare to induct 156 Prachands, ordered under contracts worth
₹62,700 crore in March 2025.
Meanwhile, HAL will invest ₹335 crore to raise AL-31FP engine production. The
Ministry of Defence had earlier signed a ₹26,000 crore contract with HAL in
September 2024 for 240 AL-31FP engines, of which 63 have already been delivered,
surpassing the two-year target.
The Koraput division has a long legacy of manufacturing engines for IAF fighters
including the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29, and Su-30MKI, and has overhauled more
than 9,000 engines. Singh described aero-engines as the “heart” of an aircraft,
stressing that mastery of propulsion technology is vital for self-reliance in aerospace
and defence. He highlighted ongoing efforts to develop an indigenous high-thrust
engine for India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA),
including a proposed ₹5,000 crore investment in testing facilities and raw material
indigenisation.
India’s propulsion challenge remains acute, with the DRDO-developed Kaveri engine
failing to meet thrust requirements for the Tejas fighter, leaving it dependent on
imported GE F404 engines. Delays in F404 deliveries have slowed Tejas Mk-1A
production. To address this, DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment has
proposed co-developing a 120kN-class engine with Safran for the AMCA, a project
worth nearly ₹60,000 crore that awaits clearance from the Cabinet Committee on
Security.

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CAG Critiques HAL’s RUAV-200 Failures, Urges Market Reforms

IMR Reporter — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:53:12 +0000

The CAG has criticized HAL for the failures of the RUAV-200 program, highlighting significant lapses in planning that led to a product unsuitable for defense needs and financial losses of ₹9.54 crore. The report emphasizes HAL’s failure to conduct a market survey or align with military requirements, resulting in an operationally inadequate UAV. Recommendations include establishing a Market Research Division, aligning projects with defense roadmaps, securing Letters of Intent, and conducting post-project evaluations to prevent future missteps. This critique reflects the importance of integrating market insights into defense development, essential for enhancing India’s self-reliance in the UAV sector and improving HAL’s credibility.

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HAL to Produce 100 CATS Warriors Annually for IAF’s Edge

IMR Reporter — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 08:52:31 +0000

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is ramping up its production of the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior UAV to 100 units annually, collaborating with private suppliers. This unmanned system is designed to operate alongside the Indian Air Force’s fighter jets, enhancing operational capabilities at a cost-effective $5-10 million per unit. The IAF views the CATS Warrior as a crucial force multiplier, potentially transforming its operational strategies as it integrates unmanned systems into its fleet. Meanwhile, India’s defense ties with the US are strengthened through joint exercises like Tiger Triumph, showcasing India’s commitment to enhancing its defense cap

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GE Aerospace Delivers First F404-IN20 Engine for Tejas Mk1A

IMR Reporter — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:03:31 +0000

GE Aerospace recently delivered the first of 99 F404- IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Mk1A, a crucial step in India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This delivery, after a two-year delay, supports the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization efforts amid concerns over depleting fighter squadrons. The Tejas Mk1A boasts advanced features like AESA radar and improved avionics, reinforcing its role as the backbone of the IAF’s future fleet. While the project has faced challenges, including reliance on foreign engines, India’s defense strategy aims to enhance indigenous capabilities and foster partnerships for future aircraft like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which will require advanced engine technology collaboration. The ongoing commitment from GE and other foreign firms indicates a significant step toward fulfilling India’s defense aspirations in the evolving geopolitical landscape.

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HAL Seeks Jet Engine for Next-Gen HLFT-42 Trainer Aircraft

IMR Reporter — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 09:06:09 +0000

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a jet engine intended for the HLFT-42, a supersonic trainer aircraft. The RFI specifies performance criteria including a thrust of 95-100 kN and a technical life of 6,000 hours, emphasizing HAL’s commitment to modern pilot training. The HLFT-42, designed to bridge basic trainers and advanced fighters, is aimed at replacing the aging BAE Hawk 132s in the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet. This initiative not only enhances training capabilities but also positions India as a competitive player in the global aerospace sector, aligning with its broader defense modernization strategy.

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Mahindra Withdraws from AMCA SPV, Tata and L&T to Lead

IMR Reporter — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 04:22:49 +0000

Mahindra Defence Systems has exited the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model, leaving Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro to lead India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet production. This shift highlights a strategic move towards leveraging private sector expertise alongside traditional public sector capabilities, with HAL maintaining a crucial role in technical support. The AMCA project, with an estimated development cost of $5 billion, represents a significant advancement in India’s defense capabilities. The exclusion of Mahindra underscores the importance of relevant experience in aircraft manufacturing, paving the way for a focused consortium that can meet stringent military requirements effectively.

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HAL to Develop Refueling Probe for Tejas MkII

IMR Reporter — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 09:09:07 +0000

In a major push for self-reliance in India’s defense sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is spearheading the development of a retractable inflight refueling probe in collaboration with private Indian companies. This crucial component is intended for the Tejas MkII fighter jet program.

The initiative marks a significant step towards reducing dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for critical Tejas MkII components. The current Tejas Mk1A variant utilizes a fixed inflight refueling probe supplied by Cobham Limited, a British aerospace company.

A retractable inflight refueling probe offers several advantages over a fixed design. When not in use, the retractable probe minimizes drag, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and overall aircraft performance.

Additionally, it provides better protection from potential damage when the aircraft is not actively refueling.

HAL’s ambitions for the domestically developed retractable probe extend beyond the Tejas MkII program. The company aims to integrate this technology into its highly anticipated 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. This highlights a strategic move towards establishing a standardized, indigenous solution for future Indian fighter aircraft.

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HAL Achieves Record-Breaking Revenue

IMR Reporter — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 09:08:32 +0000

In the financial year ending March 31, 2024, the performance of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) soared to new heights as it reported an outstanding double-digit growth in revenue.

Achieving a record-breaking revenue of over Rs 29,810 crore, the aerospace giant HAL marked an impressive 11 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year’s 9 percent. This significant growth demonstrates HAL’s resilience and adaptability in navigating through supply chain hurdles, particularly those stemming from geopolitical tensions.

HAL’s performance surpassed expectations, despite facing considerable supply chain challenges. Reflecting its commitment to excellence and innovation, HAL secured manufacturing contracts exceeding Rs 19,000 crore and Repair and Overhaul (ROH) contracts surpassing Rs. 16,000 crore during FY 2023-24.

One notable achievement during the fiscal year was HAL’s swift fulfilment of an export contract with the Guyana Defence Forces, supplying two Hindustan-228 aircraft within a month of contract signing. This rapid delivery underscored HAL’s proactive approach and commitment to meeting customer needs efficiently.

Furthermore, HAL celebrated significant milestones, including the successful maiden flight of the first production series fighter of LCA Mk1A in March 2024.

The company’s robust order book exceeds Rs 94,000 crore, with substantial new contracts anticipated for the upcoming fiscal year.

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HAL Awarded Contract for Mid-Life-Upgrade of Dorniers

IMR Reporter — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 09:08:21 +0000

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 15 for the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of 25 Dornier aircraft flying with the Indian Navy at a cost of Rs 2,890 crore. The contract also includes associated equipment for the Indian Navy.

The MLU for Dornier aircraft will include an upgrade to incorporate state-of-the art avionics systems and primary role sensors.

The project will be implemented within six and half years, the defence ministry said. The operational capability of the Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy will be significantly enhanced with this upgrade. It will carry out the main roles of maritime surveillance, coastal surveillance, electronic intelligence and development of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

In addition, this upgrade will enable Indian Navy Dornier aircraft to carry out secondary roles of search and rescue, medical/casualty evacuation and communication link, according to an official statement issued by the ministry.

The MLU of 25 Dorniers is expected to generate an employment of 1.8 Lakh man- days during its execution span of over 6.5 years. The indigenous upgrade entails supply of major systems and equipment from indigenous sources.

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IMR April 2024

20 April

IMR Reporter

Category – Defence Industry, Industry News

HAL to Setup New Production Lines for Tejas MK-1A, HTT-40

IMR Reporter — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:10:59 +0000

Defence public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to activate new production lines for Tejas MK-1A and HTT-40 planes. The defence PSU has a capacity to build 16 Tejas MK-1As every year in Bengaluru, and the Nashik line will help the firm ramp up production to a total of 24 jets.

The new plant for the MK-1As will enable HAL to advance the deliveries of the 83 such fighters ordered by IAF for Rs 48,000 crore in February 2021 by at least a year, HAL chief CB Ananthakrishnan said.

HAL has a capacity to build 16 Tejas MK-1As every year in Bangalore, and the Nashik line will help the firm ramp up production to a total of 24 jets.

The first MK-1A will be delivered to IAF in February 2024, and the last of the 83 jets by 2028 (instead of 2029, the contracted delivery schedule), Ananthakrishnan said. Timely delivery is a top priority for IAF, which is grappling with a shortage of fighter squadrons.

The aircraft manufacturing division at Nashik, set up in 1964, has produced MiG variants and Su-30s under licence. The new MK-1A production line is being set up fast to begin deliveries from Nashik.

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