Defense Minister Sanjay Kumar and Hal CMD DK Sunil Watch as Tech CMD V. Venkat gives the papers to mark the first central assembly of the LCA MK1A (3025) on Friday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and CEO of DK Sunil said that the production of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MK1A fighter would be increased to ensure early supply of Indian Air Force (IAF) with the introduction of the fourth production line here in Hyderabad.
The production line was established by its industrial partner-in Technologies-, who also handed over his first Assembly of Central Fuselage (CF) for LCA MK1A on Friday for the presence of Sanjeev Kumar, LCA-Stejas Abdul Salam and others.
Mr. Sunil said that the first handing of CF means an important milestone, because it will also be to two existing lines in Hal-Bengalur and the other in Hal-Nashica. HAL has a clear travel map about how to increase production for LCA and also in the development of advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA), helicopters and other wide range of products in conjunction with its industrial partners. The future is very clear, because the emphasis is on the development of indigenous technologies, as documented during recent operations, CMD said.
Chairman and CEO of Technologies V. Venkat Raja said that the company will be ready to deliver one CF for LCA MK1A every month to the end of the year to help the Hal increase production after integrating other parts. In addition to a specialized hangar with two assembly settings, the third with a robotic machine will speed up the production of 478 kilos, which is made of 1,595 components of composite metals, most produced in the house.
Mr. Raja said that the company is also working on fuel tanks and pylon sets for LCA Tejas and will soon be prepared for fighter aircraft with infrared search and tracking system (IRST) and a number of generators, after successful qualifications. The 5 Lakh SQ.FT integrated defense systems (IDS) are also built, said he was looking for other halls from the halls, including the main assemblies for helicopters and other programs.
Defense production increases 10% of the rate and partnership with industry – private and public – is essential for system indigenization, Sanjeev Kumar said. “Safety and sovereignty are important and cannot be achieved without indigenous production and supplies of spare parts that meet the requirements of the armed forces. It has also associated with the effort of research and development,” he said, welcomed the partnership between the halls and take the LCA MK1A production. DG quality control Sanjay Chawla, Chairman and CEO of BDL Commodore and Madhav Rao (RETD) and Director of Aerospace and Defense PA Pureen.
Published – May 30, 2025 9:22
