By Kamal Shah
Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has set the stage for an electrifying Aero India 2025, with HAL’s participation promising to be a stellar showcase of India’s aerospace prowess. Speaking to Indian Aerospace & Defence ahead of Aero India 2025 he highlights HAL’s groundbreaking innovations, led by the highly advanced Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), a marvel of engineering featuring state-of-the-art technology suited for high-altitude missions. Adding to this impressive lineup will be Dhruv NG, the indigenous civil variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter, demonstrating HAL’s remarkable strides in advancing civilian aviation. On the fixed-wing front, the upgraded Tejas Mark 1A, boasting cutting-edge avionic features, enhanced survivability systems, and advanced weaponry integration, is set to turn heads. Joining the ranks will be the HJT 36, CATS Warrior, AMCA, and Tejas Mk II, positioning HAL as a beacon of self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Beyond showcasing its technological ingenuity, HAL aims to amplify India’s presence in global markets with new business collaborations and MoUs, all while strengthening partnerships with MSMEs, academia, and the Indian Armed Forces. Aero India 2025 is not just a platform for HAL’s achievements but a testament to India’s ascension as a global aerospace leader, with HAL playing a pivotal role in furthering the nation’s Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) mission.
Q. What are the key highlights of HAL’s participation and exhibits at Aero India 2025?
A. HAL’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) will be part of the central theme. LUH is a new generation helicopter in the three-ton class incorporating state-of-the-art technology features like a Glass cockpit with Multi-Function Displays (MFD) and powered by a single Turbo Shaft engine with sufficient power margin to cater to demanding high-altitude missions. The helicopter will be capable of flying at 220 Kmph with a service ceiling of 6.5 Km and a range of 350 Km with a 500 kg payload.
HAL will display Dhruv NG, an indigenously developed helicopter. It is the civil variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk III) used by the Indian defence forces. The civilian version of this military helicopter is powered by the ‘Shakti’ engines and features a civil-certified glass cockpit. Even though the civil ALH version has been in service since 2003, Dhruv NG will be an achievement for Indian aviation in terms of updated technology.
The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A will be displayed featuring a new avionic suite centered on AESA Radar, Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) and an externally mounted self-protection jammer (SPJ) for enhanced survivability, in-flight refuelling capability, and Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS). The variant is planned to be equipped with dual-rack pylons with weapon systems integration.
HAL will also display HJT 36 with Glass Cockpit which has completed its flying trials. HAL will be displaying CATS Warrior, AMCA, and Tejas MK II for Fixed-wing Combat Aircraft Theme in India Pavilion.
In Aero India 2025, HAL will actively engage with international delegations to promote its platforms like the ALH Dhruv, LCA Tejas, and Do-228 for export markets and will explore collaboration with MSMEs, start-ups, and academia, and showcase how its ecosystem supports ‘Make in India’ and innovation. HAL will be signing MoUs with prospective partners to further explore business opportunities for co-development, and technology-sharing. HAL also looks forward to engaging with key stakeholders, including the Indian Armed Forces, international clients, and industry partners, to secure new opportunities and collaborations.
Aero India 2025, will serve as a platform to showcase HAL’s ability to deliver world-class products and solutions, reaffirming India’s position as a global aerospace hub. HAL expects to strengthen its presence in emerging markets through targeted interactions.
Q. What are HAL’s notable achievements under the Make in India initiative, and how does the organization plan to further contribute to India’s Aatmanirbharta in the defence and aerospace sectors?
A. HAL has been at the forefront of India’s indigenization journey under the Make in India initiative, playing a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s aerospace and defence capabilities. By focusing on innovation, self-reliance, and cutting-edge technology, HAL has significantly contributed to India’s Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) drive.
Key Achievements Under the Make in India Initiative:
LCA Tejas: The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, India’s first indigenous multi-role fighter aircraft, developed by HAL in partnership with DRDO, is a testament to India’s capability to design, develop, and produce advanced fighter aircraft indigenously.
Advanced Light Utility Helicopter (ALH): ALH is an indigenously designed multi-role helicopter in the weight class of 5.5 tons. More than 350 helicopters have been produced in several variants namely MKI, MKII, MKIII & MKIV.
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH): The LCH, which is fully designed and developed by HAL, is a significant contribution to India’s combat helicopter capabilities. It is the first indigenously developed attack helicopter and will serve in critical roles in the Indian Army and Air Force.
Light Utility Helicopter (LUH): HAL’s LUH is designed to replace the aging fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, focusing on high-altitude operations and versatility.
HTFE-25 and HTSE-1200 engines: HAL is focusing on developing indigenous engines, such as the HTFE-25 turbofan engine for fixed-wing aircraft and the HTSE-1200 turboshaft engine for helicopters, ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
HAL has taken significant strides in the field of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) with projects like the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) and advanced UAVs, ensuring India remains at the forefront of modern, unmanned warfare capabilities.
Future Plans for Aatmanirbharta and HAL’s Role in the Initiative:
HAL will continue to expand its capacity for developing and manufacturing next-generation aircraft and systems. The focus will be on AMCA, TEDBF (Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter), and future helicopter variants like the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), indigenous propulsion systems, including engines and next-gen avionics for aircraft to meet both defence and commercial aviation needs, which are essential for India’s strategic autonomy. SAFHAL Helicopter Engines, a JV with Safran Helicopter Engines has been to jointly design, develop, and manufacture high-power helicopter engines in India. Further, HAL has collaborated with GE to manufacture the GE-414 INS6 engine with 80% ToT in India.
HAL will invest heavily in R&D and innovation, focusing on future technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic flight, and autonomous systems. These technologies will not only enhance HAL’s product offerings but also support India’s technological self-sufficiency. Developing green aerospace technologies will be a key priority to align with global environmental sustainability goals. HAL will continue to embrace Industry 4.0 practices and integrate advanced technologies like smart manufacturing to enhance operational efficiency and ensure high-quality production standards.
Q. What is the current progress in the development and certification of the Tejas Mk-1A and LCA Mk-2 aircraft?
A. The development of indigenous fighter aircraft, the Tejas Mk-1A and LCA Mk2, is progressing with notable milestones.
The Tejas Mk-1A is an enhanced version of the Tejas Mk-1, featuring advanced avionics, improved maintainability, and operational capabilities. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed an order for 83 units of the Mk-1A. The EW Suite and Astra missile launcher integration are currently under progress and certification is expected soon.
The LCA AF Mk-2 is a multirole, all-weather 4.5 generation combat aircraft. Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is the design agency and HAL is the principal partner for the design and manufacturing of LCA AF Mk2 prototypes. The LCA Mk2 is designed to replace aging aircraft in the IAF’s fleet, such as the Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar. The LCA AF Mk-2 aircraft offers improved range, endurance, lethality and increased payload carrying compared to capacity. The prototype manufacture is under progress with certification expected to be achieved by 2027-28.
Q. What initiatives is HAL undertaking to develop indigenous gas turbine engines and UAVs for enhancing India’s defence capabilities?
A. HAL is actively advancing the development of indigenous gas turbine engines and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enhance India’s defence capabilities.
Indigenous Gas Turbine Engines:
25 kN Turbofan Engine:
HAL is undertaking the design and development of a 25kN thrust class turbofan engine, which can be used on basic/ advanced military trainers, small business jets and also large UAV applications. The engine can be used on a 5-ton weight class aircraft in a single-engine configuration and on aircraft of up to nine-ton weight class with a twin-engine configuration. Two core engines have been produced so far and are undergoing development trials.
1200 KW Turbo Shaft Engine:
HAL is also working on the design and development of a 1200 KW Turboshaft engine which would be suitable as a power plant for three-to-six-ton category helicopters. Two prototype engines (Jet mode engine and Power mode engine) have been built and are undergoing development trials.
Engine for IMRH:
A 50:50 Joint venture Company between HAL & Safran “SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd” was incorporated in November 2023 for the design and development of the engine for IMRH. This will enable HAL to be involved in core engine design and development. The airframer contract was signed between HAL & SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd in August 2024.
UAV:
HAL is working on various design and development projects related to UAVs towards meeting the current and future UAV requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, through collaborative as well as in-house R&D efforts.
Major programs include Rotary UAVs (RUAVs), Medium Altitude Log Endurance (MALE), High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs, etc.
Another upcoming program in this segment is CATS (Combat Air Teaming System) which is a teaming up of manned-unmanned assets for futuristic war scenarios, for which design and development activities are initiated. Additionally, HAL is also partnering with leading global and domestic players for manufacturing, design and marketing of unmanned aerial systems.
Q. What is HAL’s vision for its future, specifically in terms of exports, innovation, and strategic partnerships to enhance its global presence in the aerospace and defence sectors?
A. I envision a future where HAL continues to be the backbone of India’s aerospace and defence sectors while emerging as a global leader in innovation, market diversification, and strategic collaborations. Our efforts are aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the evolving needs of modern warfare and civil aviation.
HAL aims to expand its footprint in international markets, leveraging its proven platforms like the ALH Dhruv, LCA Tejas, Do-228, and the upcoming HTT-40 & Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) platforms. We are actively engaging with friendly countries to address their defence and civil aviation needs. HAL will tailor our offerings to meet specific operational, climatic, and logistical challenges of other countries. Further, HAL is also committed to supporting India’s regional connectivity goals by promoting indigenous platforms like the Hindustan-228 and exploring new markets for civil aviation products.
To drive innovation, we have set up a separate R&D fund for advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced materials. Our focus is to remain at the cutting edge of aerospace and defence innovation. Programs like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and indigenous engine development projects (HTFE-25 and HTSE-1200) are testaments to HAL’s ability to deliver next-generation solutions. Initiatives like the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) and swarm UAVs represent our commitment to modern warfare solutions.
As regards to building strategic partnerships, we will continue to partner with global aerospace leaders to co-develop and co-produce advanced systems while leveraging their expertise to enhance our capabilities. In addition, we are strengthening ties with the private sector, MSMEs, and start-ups to build a robust supply chain and foster innovation. Collaborations with academia, and research institutions, will be critical to developing cutting-edge technologies and staying competitive.
HAL’s vision is to become a globally recognized aerospace and defence powerhouse, driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and expanding markets while staying true to its core mission of contributing to India’s self-reliance and national security. With a strong foundation and clear strategic priorities, HAL is poised to scale new heights in the years to come.
Q. What is the current operational status and future production plans of HAL’s Helicopter Division in Tumakuru?
A. HAL’s Helicopter Division, Tumakuru was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in February 2023. The facility is established to take up the manufacture of indigenously designed and developed Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) and has a capacity of 30 helicopters per annum.
The factory is operational and engages a workforce of 200 people. Currently, LUH production activities are progressing and it is planned to complete production of 12 LUH by March 2025. This facility is planned to be Industry 4.0 compliant, with several key technology features to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality.
Further, production activities for Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH)/Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) are also planned at the Tumakuru plant in the future.
