The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence on Friday visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities in Bengaluru, where members were briefed on the company’s modernisation initiatives and the progress of key indigenisation projects.
The 10-member committee was led by its Chairman and Lok Sabha MP Radha Mohan Singh. The delegation was received by HAL’s Chief Managing Director, DK Sunil, along with the company’s Directors and senior officials.
During the visit, the committee members toured HAL’s Helicopter Division, LCA Tejas Division and Aircraft Division. HAL also conducted a flying display featuring the LCA Mk 1A fighter aircraft, Hindustan Turbo Trainer 40, Hindustan Jet Trainer ‘Yashas’, Hawk-i, as well as helicopters Dhruv ALH and the Light Utility Helicopter.
In a post on X, HAL wrote, “The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence visited HAL facilities in Bengaluru today. The 10-member committee was led by its Chairman, Lok Sabha MP Shri Radha Mohan Singh. The committee was received by Dr. D. K. Sunil, CMD, HAL, along with the Directors & senior officials.”
The company added that the aircraft performed aerobatic manoeuvres, captivating the audience. “During the visit, the committee was briefed on HAL’s modernisation plans and the progress of key indigenisation projects,” the post read.
On the same day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined recent achievements in indigenous defence production. He said that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has received fresh orders worth ₹66,000 crore for 97 Tejas fighter aircraft, in addition to an earlier order for 83 aircraft worth ₹48,000 crore.
“Our Tejas aircraft is going to be a great example of India’s indigenous defence capabilities. We have also taken steps towards making fifth-generation fighter aircraft and aircraft engines in India,” he said.
On 19 August, India cleared a major defence procurement under the Make in India initiative by approving the acquisition of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.
According to defence sources, final approval was given during a high-level meeting, paving the way for HAL to begin production. This marks the second order for the LCA Mark 1A fighters, following the earlier acquisition of 83 aircraft for approximately ₹48,000 crore.
Also Read : India clears ₹62,000 cr deal for 97 more LCA Mark 1A fighter jets
The programme is expected to aid the Indian Air Force in phasing out its ageing MiG-21 fleet, which the government is set to retire in the coming weeks.
The indigenous fighter jet initiative, fully backed by the Defence Ministry and the Air Headquarters, is also projected to provide a significant boost for indigenisation efforts.
It will further generate business opportunities for small and medium enterprises engaged in defence manufacturing across the country, the sources said.
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