HAL Clarifies

Bangalore, August 8, 2013:

Dear All,
This refers to all kinds of speculation and comments made in media quoting IAF and other
sources over HALs indigenous trainer project. HAL clarifies that the matter is before the
competent authorities and there are no comments to offer on this subject in particular. HAL
continues to whole heartedly support the progress of Indian Air Force and highly values its
relationship with IAF.
HAL has always been very proud to be in the forefront contributing to Indias defence
preparedness and has contributed significantly in recent months in many areas some of which
are highlighted below:
Indigenization and Self Reli ance:
HAL has been growing steadily over the years and it is companys endeavour to achieve self
reliance in Design and Development and promote indigenization in all related fields of
aerospace. We have developed a robust supply chain and aerospace ecosystem across
country by providing requisite hand holding to more than 2400 suppliers across the country.
During the last decades, HAL has indigenously developed 15 types of aircraft and helicopters.
Around 1250 of these indigenous aircraft have been produced. The major aircraft/helicopters
produced from indigenous design include Marut, Ajeet, Kiran Mk.I, Kiran Mk.II, HT-2, HPT-32,
LCA, IJ T and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is a 5.5 ton class multi-role helicopter with modern design
features. Helicopter production commenced in 2002 and more than 140 helicopters have been
produced for various customers so far. A new variant of ALH suitable for high altitude
operations by IAF and the Army have been developed apart from a higher powered Shakti
engine and several mission systems. The armed variant (with air-to-air missile, rocket and
turret gun) has achieved initial operational clearance and was delivered to Indian Army during
Aero India 2013.
In addition to indigenously designed aircraft, HAL has produced 14 types of aircraft under
licence. Aircraft in the current range of production are SU-30MKI, Hawk, Dornier DO-228 and
Cheetah/Chetak.
HALs contribution to the armed forces by way of supplying aircraft/helicopters and maintaining
them is evident with the presence of HAL built aircraft (both from indigenous design and
licence manufacturing) in their existing fleet: fighter aircraft (80%), trainers (93%) and
helicopters (65%).
HAL has also built extensive infrastructure to manufacture engines, accessories and avionics.
Additionally, overhaul of aircraft, helicopters, engines and accessories are also carried out
indigenously. The Company is also involved in aircraft mid life upgrades of J aguar, MiG-27M,
Dornier, Avro and Cheetah helicopter indigenously.
Research & Development:
HAL believes that the key differentiator in todays warfare is home grown platforms. In line with
this belief, we continue to give thrust on R&D by making increased funds allocation to the
extent of around 10 percent of its turn-over. In last one year HAL has filed 149 patents and all
across the technology spectrum. Being a strategic defence organisation, the company intends
to file more patents to protect its intellectual property developed at a large investment.
Modernization Drive:
HAL is embarking on modernization and expansion plan for its ongoing and new projects. New
production units are planned with enhanced rate of production, reduced production cycle-times
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by incorporating several advanced defence aerospace technologies. We have drawn up very
ambitious plans to revamp our capabilities and capacity. Key technologies like stealth,
advanced sensors, highly integrated avionics suite, enhanced situational awareness, internal
carriage of weapons, operation data link application etc will be developed with the new
co-development/co-production projects. The plan also includes bringing in critical and modern
technologies in the areas of design, manufacture, maintenance and training by collaborating
with leading technology suppliers across the globe through J oint Venture.
Our focus areas include building partnerships and relationships, be it with employees,
shareholders, customers, value chain and business partners, industry leaders, academic
institutions or the Government as industry regulator.
Future Pl ans:
HAL aims to achieve business excellence while pursuing its mandate of nation building. It has
plans to add capacity to handle the future programs like Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft
(MMRCA), Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA), Light
Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), civil aviation aircraft and Naval
Multi Role Helicopter (NMRH). The LUH has gone past the design phase with successful
realization of the Ground Test Vehicle, MTA has entered the conceptual design phase and the
FGFA will be entering the detail design stage, all encouraging signs for the future of aerospace
in India.
HAL stands committed to the nation and would like to reiterate that all the above efforts are
being made in close coordination with MoD as well as our defence forces including IAF.
Thanking you,

Yours faithfully
For Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
(Gopal Sutar)
Chief of Media Communications
.
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