Top PMO official reviews HAL projects amid fighter jet production lag
Amid delays in the production of fighter jets, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru on Wednesday to review key defence and aerospace projects.
HAL, a market-listed public sector undertaking primarily owned by the Ministry of Defence, is tasked with producing 83 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. Although deliveries were scheduled to begin in April 2024, they have been delayed.
With nearly 500 indigenous fighter jets planned for production over the next two decades, Mishra’s visit focused on assessing HAL’s capacity and preparedness.
The review comes not only in the backdrop of slowed production of fighter jets but also as the Ministry of Defence has invited bids for the prototype development of the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Private companies are allowed to bid, and HAL could a part of consortium.
According to a statement by HAL, “Mishra commenced his visit with a tour of the Light Combat Aircraft Mark 2 (Tejas Mark 2) hangar at the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC).”
The Tejas Mark 2 is expected to be more powerful than the Mark 1A version, featuring a different engine, and is slated for its first flight between 2026 and 2027.
Mishra also reviewed the progress at the Tejas Division, which manufactures the jets. “He reviewed the progress of the Tejas Mark 1A program and was briefed on the current production progress,” HAL said, adding that six Tejas Mark 1A fighters and two Tejas Mark 1 trainers were showcased during the visit.
The HAL statement added, “HAL reaffirmed its commitment and preparedness to lead multi-stakeholder programs in the future.”
In addition to the Tejas program, Mishra was shown progress on other indigenous platforms, including the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter, Advanced Light Helicopter, and the Hindustan Turbo Trainer (HTT-40).
Mishra also visited HAL’s Aerospace Division, where he viewed the assembly of GSLV Mk III and PSLV components, besides the welding facility. He was shown structures and components developed by HAL for ISRO’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. The visit included the Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil accompanied Mishra during the visit.
This is not the first major infrastructure review conducted by PK Mishra. He has previously visited key national projects aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for industrial and economic growth.
India