HAL briefs PM Modi on steps taken towards becoming ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

The PM had a look at the production facilities of the LCA Tejas aircraft in Bengaluru and was briefed about the technology intensive work being done at the HAL towards realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. He was apprised about the initiatives being taken by the HAL towards ramping capacities and capabilities by the HAL.

Modi visited the LCA Tejas Final Assembly and discussed capabilities of the aircraft. “He was briefed about the capabilities of Tejas – a lightweight, all weather multi-role aircraft. Tejas has been operationally deployed with the Indian Air Force and will be the mainstay of IAF fighter fleet in the years to come. The aircraft is capable of undertaking offensive air support roles as well as ground attack roles and is quite superior to its contemporaries,” the statement read.

“The Prime Minister walked through the production line of LCA Tejas and interacted with the engineers on the various features of the aircraft. It was explained that the aircraft is presently powered by the GE 404 engine which will get upgraded to the GE 414 engine for LCA Mk II which will be manufactured in India with 80 per cent Transfer of Technology arrangement with GE engines for which an MOU has been signed with GE Engines. This will be the first time that an engine of this class will be produced in India with 80 per cent transfer of technology. This transfer of technology is likely to bridge the technology gap that exists currently in the aero engine domain of the country,” the HAL said.

Modi discussed the extent of indigenisation efforts of the LCA Tejas. The HAL apprised him that the defence PSU had displayed various indigenously developed and produced systems, including the digital flight control computer (DFCC) and open architecture computer (OAC) with the support of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Units (DPSU) and private industries along with the HAL.

“It was further explained that flight controls, fuel systems, hydraulics, air-conditioning and mission and display systems have also been indigenised. The Prime Minister was informed that the HAL is striving to take the indigenous content of the aircraft beyond 70 per cent in the next three to four years under the indigenisation drive as a part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and take India towards self-reliance into defence and aerospace,” the HAL statement said.

Modi was also briefed about the progress of the LCA MK1A programme. “The production of fighter aircraft against the 83 Mk1A order concurrent with its design and development is under progress at the HAL. The Mk1A variant will be a more lethal aircraft with capabilities such as AESA Radar, BVR Missile capability, EW suite, advanced avionics and maintenance improvements. The deliveries of the MK1A aircraft are planned from February 2024 onwards to the IAF,” the HAL said.

Various indigenous helicopters such as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, Advanced Light Helicopter-WSI Rudra and Light Utility Helicopters were also showcased to the Prime Minister.

The HAL briefed the PM on the combat and performance capabilities of Prachand with emphasis on the high altitude employability in Leh/ Ladakh and the eastern Himalayan sectors.

“It was informed that the helicopter can fly up to 6 km altitude. He was also briefed that the LCH has already been deployed with the Army and the IAF and there is an additional requirement from the defence forces for 156 Prachand helicopters for enhancing the defence preparedness of the nation and its efforts toward Atmanirbharta,” the HAL said in the statement.

The electronic warfare system, armament and troop-carrying capability of the Rudra (ALH Mk IV) helicopter was also showcased. Modi was briefed on the slew capability of guns to the target as demanded by the pilots and was also briefed on how the same is achieved either through the electro optical pod or pilot helmet mounted sighting system.

Modi visited the HAL after his maiden sortie on the LCA Tejas twin seater aircraft in Bengaluru. He is the first PM of the country who took a sortie in Tejas.