The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have signed a landmark Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology on 27 June 2026, announced HAL on its X handle.

This agreement enables domestic manufacturing of indigenous Electro Hydraulic Servo Valves, a critical technology that directly supports India’s aerospace self-reliance drive.

These valves are essential components that control secondary flight surfaces such as airbrakes and leading‑edge slats on the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, ensuring precise manoeuvrability and enhanced safety margins.


The agreement specifically targets the TEJAS MK-1A program, which is central to the Indian Air Force’s modernisation plans. By indigenising these flight control actuators, India reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthens its ability to maintain and upgrade its fleet without external bottlenecks.

The valves provide high‑pressure, redundant control systems, which are vital for maintaining stability and responsiveness in combat situations. Their role in secondary flight surfaces is crucial, as these surfaces contribute to aerodynamic braking, improved lift management, and tactical agility during missions.

Manufacturing is expected to be facilitated primarily through HAL’s infrastructure, building upon earlier collaborations with HAL’s Accessories Division in Lucknow and the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute in Bangalore.

This ensures that production capacity is distributed across established hubs, leveraging existing expertise while scaling up indigenous capabilities.

The partnership also reflects a broader trend of DRDO transferring matured technologies to HAL for mass production, thereby bridging the gap between research innovation and operational deployment.

The development comes at a time when the TEJAS MK-1A program is under close scrutiny, with delivery schedules being monitored by the Defence Ministry.

The integration of indigenous Electro Hydraulic Servo Valves will not only streamline production but also reduce costs and logistical challenges associated with imported components. It marks a significant step in the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reinforcing India’s commitment to self‑reliance in defence technology.

The valves themselves are highly sophisticated, designed to withstand extreme operational conditions while delivering precise control inputs. Their redundancy ensures that even in the event of partial failure, the aircraft retains safe handling characteristics.

This reliability is indispensable for combat aircraft, where split‑second control can determine mission success or failure. By mastering this technology domestically, India positions itself among a select group of nations capable of producing advanced flight control systems.

This agreement also has wider implications for future platforms. The expertise gained in manufacturing Electro Hydraulic Servo Valves can be extended to upcoming projects such as the TEJAS MK‑2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. It strengthens the supply chain resilience of India’s aerospace sector and enhances confidence in indigenous solutions for critical defence requirements.

The collaboration between RCI and HAL is therefore not just a technical milestone but a strategic achievement. It demonstrates the synergy between research institutions and production agencies in delivering cutting‑edge technology to the armed forces.

It also highlights the importance of sustained investment in indigenous R&D, which continues to yield tangible results for national security.

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