New Delhi: The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India Dr PK Mishra visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru on Tuesday to review the progress of several flagship indigenous defence and aerospace initiatives.
HAL's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Dr DK Sunil along with the HAL Board, received and led the dignitary through the tour of the company’s critical facilities. The visit commenced at HAL’s Aircraft Research & Design Centre (ARDC), where Dr Mishra inspected the LCA Mk 2 hangar, followed by a detailed review of the LCA Tejas Assembly Hangar and the Aerospace Division.
At the LCA Tejas Division, the Principal Secretary was briefed on the status of the LCA Tejas Mk 1A program. HAL showcased six LCA Mk 1A fighter aircraft and two Mk 1 trainer variants currently under production, reflecting the growing maturity and momentum of India’s indigenous fighter aircraft programme.
In a demonstration of its expanding capabilities, HAL also presented a range of indigenously developed platforms, including the Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter), and the Hindustan Turbo Trainer (HTT-40). The company reiterated its commitment to leading future multi-stakeholder defence programmes.
During his tour of HAL’s Aerospace Division, Dr. Mishra was joined by Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO. The visit included inspections of the GSLV Mk III and PSLV assembly shops, advanced welding facilities, and structures being developed by HAL for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. Dr. Mishra also visited the Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility.
A key highlight of the presentation made to the visiting dignitary was HAL’s recent selection for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), marking another milestone in HAL’s growing role in India’s space sector.
Dr. Mishra commended HAL for its significant contributions to enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence and aerospace, and acknowledged the company's strategic importance in driving innovation and indigenisation in these critical sectors.
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