HAL’s DK Sunil Discusses Delays in Tejas Aircraft Engine Delivery with General Electric
DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), announced that the company is in discussions with General Electric regarding delays in engine deliveries for the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA). General Electric has assured HAL that they are working to resolve supply chain issues caused by COVID-19 shutdowns. Despite the delay, HAL’s manufacturing of the aircraft remains unaffected.
LCA Mark 1A Program and Orders
The LCA Mark 1A program, initiated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, has already seen an order of 83 planes worth Rs 48,000 crore. An additional order for 97 planes, valued at Rs 65,000 crore, is expected by the end of the financial year. The Defence Ministry has issued a tender to HAL for 97 made-in-India LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, marking the largest indigenous military hardware order by the Indian government.
Manufacturing and Export Opportunities
HAL operates two factories in Bangalore and a new one in Nasik, aiming to produce 24 aircraft annually. The current and anticipated orders total 280 aircraft, expected to be completed in seven to eight years. Sunil also mentioned the advanced stage of the Su-30MKI upgrade program, with 12 additional orders expected this financial year. HAL is exploring export opportunities for the LCA and LCH in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Doubts Revealed
HAL -: HAL stands for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is an Indian company that makes aircraft and helicopters for the Indian military.
DK Sunil -: DK Sunil is the Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, which means he is the top boss of the company.
Tejas Aircraft -: Tejas is a type of light combat aircraft made in India. It is used by the Indian Air Force for defense purposes.
General Electric -: General Electric, often called GE, is a big company from the USA that makes many things, including engines for airplanes.
COVID-19-related supply chain issues -: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many factories and transport systems were disrupted, causing delays in getting parts and materials needed to make things like aircraft engines.
LCA Mark 1A -: LCA Mark 1A is a newer version of the Tejas aircraft with improved features. LCA stands for Light Combat Aircraft.
Su-30MKI -: Su-30MKI is a type of fighter jet used by the Indian Air Force. It is made by a Russian company but assembled in India.
