Govt approves Rs.1,381 crore facility upgrade

The government has approved an investment of Rs.1,381.04 Crores for fast track production of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to 16 from eight at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

In the meantime, HAL has already started the development activities.

Su-30 MKI programme is on the verge of completion; hence, there is no plan to augment the production facilities for this platform.

The following steps have been taken by HAL to ensure timely and enhanced production of LCA aircraft.

Establishment of second line for structural and equipping activities at Aircraft Division, HAL.

Reduction in manufacturing cycle time through improved supply chain management, learning and augmentation of manpower.

Established contracts for outsourcing of major modules namely Front fuselage, Centre fuselage, Rear fuselage, Wing and various sub-assemblies to private partners, said Minister of State for Defence in the Lok Sabha on 3 Jan 2018.

Since inception, HAL has been engaged in design & development, manufacture, upgrade and repair/overhaul of fighters, trainers transport aircraft, helicopters, engines, avionics systems & accessories for the requirement of the Defence Services.

So far, HAL has indigenously designed & developed 17 types of aircraft/helicopters consisting of three fighter aircrafts including ongoing platform of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)-DHRUV and Chetak/Cheetal Helicopter.

Additionally, under Transfer of Technology (ToT) with foreign Original Equipment manufacturers (OEMs), HAL has manufactured 14 platforms categories of fighter aircraft including ongoing manufacturing program of Su-30 MKI. fii-news.com