New Delhi: The central government's decision to procure additional SU-30MKIs for the Indian Air Force could not have come at a better time for the Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Here is why. The standing committee of the parliament on defence has intimated the Government that the defence manufacturing behemoth is expected to witness empty order books beyond 2021-22. RK Tyagi, Former Chairman of HAL has hailed the government's decision. "This is a welcome decision in the sense that there are around 600 MSMEs in Nashik, one of SU-30MKIs production facility, that were specifically developed for supporting the production of these aircraft. Since there were no new orders these manufacturing lines were drying up. The new orders will give a new lease of the life to the production facility," he said.

HAL carries out the licensed production of SU-30MKIs in three of its facilities in Nashik, Koraput and Bengaluru. The DPSU has produced more than 200 MKIs for the Indian Air Force. The new orders have definitely come as a rescue moment for the beleaguered DPSU looking at the current order book. Notably, last week, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the procurement of 12 additional SU-30MKIs from Russia.

"Generally, the manufacturing cycle on these aircraft is somewhere between 24 to 30 months, so the order will not only fulfil the requirement of IAF but also create additional jobs." AK Tyagi further said.

"This is a welcome decision in the sense that there are around 600 MSMEs in Nashik, one of SU-30MKIs production facility, that were specifically developed for supporting the production of these aircraft. Since there were no new orders these manufacturing lines were drying up. The new orders will give a new lease of the life to the production facility,"- RK Tyagi, Fmr Chairman, HAL

HAL is the only company in India to have experience in manufacturing military aircraft. Over the years the DPSU's track record has been getting from better to exceptional. India's first indigenous aircraft which got inducted in IAF has also been manufactured by HAL. No prize for guessing that's Tejas.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)