HAL CMD Ravi K discusses Tejas delays and engine co-production

…addressed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has approached state governments for the possible sale of its Dhruv NG helicopter, as the aerospace major looks to expand its footprint in India’s civil aviation market. “ We have already reached out to all state governments, and most are very keen. The Dhruv NG is set to be a game-changer, with roles spanning VIP transport, offshore operations, heli-tourism and medical evacuation ,” said HAL chairman and managing director Ravi K. HAL will hand over four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited on Friday, along with two LCA Mk-1 trainers and the first batch of HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to…

…Dhruv NG builds on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) programme, with earlier technical glitches and safety concerns now addressed. ALH Dhruv’s earlier variants are operated by the three services and the Coast Guard. “ The armed forces and coast guard are flying the ALH, and everybody is happy. There are no issues with the helicopter or its safety. We conducted a high-altitude test to assess the vibrations at that altitude and see how good or bad they were. Everything was within the ranges,” he said. HAL hopes to derive 25% of its turnover from non-military…

…the final radar and weapons-integration issues, its chairman and managing director Ravi K said in his first interview since taking charge on May 1. “The last-mile corrections are underway,” he told HT on Thursday. “ There are a few radar issues that we need to address. Also, the final weapons integration testing is still pending. We should resolve these issues within a month or so and get the aircraft ready for delivery. ” The LCA Mk-1A is central to the IAF’s push to shore up its fighter fleet, which faces a worrying shortfall. The IAF has placed two orders for 180 Mk-1A fighter jets worth a combined ₹1.1 lakh crore. The first contract…

…that are leading to delays in the delivery of the first batch of the advanced combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force”. Speaking to TOI in an interview at HAL’s biggest fighter jet complex in Bengaluru, Ravi K said, “ We have received 10 engines from GE Aerospace. But there are one or two issues with the first batch of Tejas Mk1A which need further testing, like the integration of AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar. Maybe we are there at 90-95%, but the last 5% is still to be fixed. Another one (problem) is missile integration. A few tests are still pending. We need to fly Tejas with the missile (without firing it) to find out…

…fixed. Another one (problem) is missile integration. A few tests are still pending. We need to fly Tejas with the missile (without firing it) to find out whether structurally everything is fine, like aerodynamically. I am not giving any exact timeline, but we are hopeful it (first batch of jets) will be done by this year. ” On the more advanced version of the aircraft, Tejas Mk2, the HAL CMD said, “Tejas Mk 2 is an offshoot of Tejas Mk1A. Structure coupling is going on. It has come to that stage. We are planning to do the grounder…

…K. said on Thursday (September 17, 2026). Speaking to The Hindu at the HAL headquarters, Mr. Ravi said the growing number of aerospace programmes and products required greater participation from the private sector. “ HAL cannot do everything on its own. An ecosystem has to be developed because so many products are coming up ,” he said, adding that HAL had outsourced major structural components to private vendors while focusing its own resources on core integration and assembly activities. This approach, he said, was aimed at creating a…

…HAL CMD said the company was in discussions with GE Aerospace, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), about delays in engine supplies. “We have 10 engines and we are discussing with the OEM regarding the delays. We are getting the airframe ready so when we get engines, we make the aircraft ready ,” he said. According to Mr. Ravi, HAL currently has 25 Tejas airframes ready. “We are hopeful GE will resolve all their issues and start delivering the balance engines,” he said. He, however, did not commit to any…

…Excerpts Can you tell us why Tejas LCA Mk-1A fighter aircraft has missed several delivery schedules? As per 2021 contract, HAL was supposed to start handing over the first batch of 83 Tejas Mk1As from March 2024. There are a few radar issues and weapon integration is done. There has to be some tests for confirming to standards. It’s only the software change, that’s all. But, having said that, when you put a missile, you need to go, bang, go up and come down. How the missile or the structure will behave, all those tests are required. It’s a process that has to be followed. So, those…

…that has to be followed. So, those tests are being done. Otherwise all other tests, including on firing, are complete. How many GE F404-IN20 engines HAL has received from US-based GE Aerospace for LCA Mk-1A jets I have got 10 engines and I will be able to deliver these ten LCA Mk-1As by March. They have promised 12 additional engines by December, this year. Where is the talk headed for collaboration with GE Aerospace for co-production of 99 F414-INS6 fighter jet engines in India? All technical issues have…