Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has made clear that its immediate priority is meeting India’s growing military aviation requirements before embarking on an aggressive international export campaign, The Tribune reported.

Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Kota explained in an exclusive interview that the company’s challenge is not winning overseas customers but delivering hundreds of aircraft already ordered by the Indian armed forces while expanding production capacity and strengthening its supply chain.

Kota emphasised that his immediate requirement is to liquidate all domestic orders before approaching foreign customers. He stated that HAL must first establish capacity, build the ecosystem, and work with partners to ensure timely delivery. Only then will HAL enter the international market with the credibility of satisfied domestic customers.

This strategy is underpinned by one of the largest production programs in HAL’s history. The company has secured orders for 180 TEJAS MK-1A light combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Its order book also includes 156 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters for the Indian Army and the Air Force, highlighting the scale of its domestic commitments.

More than 20 TEJAS airframes are complete and awaiting engine deliveries and final radar integration. Kota acknowledged delays in engine supplies and radar integration but confirmed the program remains on track. The first batch of 15 aircraft has already been delivered and is operating successfully with the Air Force.

On India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program, Kota clarified that HAL is not presently involved following the government’s competitive selection process. He noted that while HAL contributed structural design work, the company is now focused on its own programs, including helicopters, trainers, and the expansion of its indigenous aircraft portfolio.

HAL expects to certify the Dhruv Next Generation helicopter in August after completing remaining flight tests. Orders have already been received from Pawan Hans, with three aircraft ready for delivery once certification is completed. Kota described the market as very strong.

The Light Utility Helicopter is also nearing operational service. Around ten helicopters have been built and are undergoing final trials to meet military requirements. HAL is confident that deliveries will begin this year.

While domestic deliveries remain the immediate priority, HAL has ambitious export plans. India aims to increase defence exports from around ₹25,000–30,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore over the longer term, and HAL expects to play a significant role. Rather than relying on one spectacular overseas order, the company is steadily building its international presence.

HAL has already supplied Dornier 228 aircraft to Guyana and anticipates further orders from Guyana and Niger. Interest has also come from Malaysia, Vietnam, Seychelles, Thailand, and Armenia for various helicopter platforms. Kota confirmed that HAL is working closely with these countries to expedite deals.

Future growth will depend increasingly on partnerships with leading international aerospace companies. HAL is collaborating with GE Aerospace on the GE F414 engine for the TEJAS MK-2 fighter and with Safran on the engine for the proposed Indian Multi-Role Helicopter program.

Other partners include MBDA, Honeywell Aerospace, Martin-Baker, and Eaton Aerospace. Kota stressed that these tie-ups are already in place, with the challenge now being to accelerate progress and expand growth.

Britain remains a critical partner for India’s aerospace industry. Kota highlighted the importance of the UK as a gateway to Europe’s aerospace sector, enabling HAL to strengthen relationships and attract new industrial partners to establish operations in India. He expressed his intent to deepen ties and encourage British companies to set up offices in India to support HAL’s delivery capabilities.

Looking ahead, Kota set an ambitious target for HAL. Currently ranked around 30 to 35 globally, he aims to bring the company into the top 20 by 2035.

Achieving this would place HAL among the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers and reinforce India’s ambition to become a major global defence producer rather than simply one of its largest buyers.

Agencies