You dont have javascript enabled! Please enable it! HAL eyes Partnership with General Atomics for MQ-9B HALE UAV Maintenance, Engine MRO - Indian Defence Research Wing
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SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil has announced that the company is engaged in discussions with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to collaborate on providing maintenance services for High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as they are integrated into India’s tri-service operations. The move comes as India prepares to induct the MQ-9B Predator drones, powered by the Honeywell TPE331 engine, which is also utilized in HAL’s HTT-40 trainer aircraft and Do-228 transport planes.

Sunil highlighted the synergy between the MQ-9B’s propulsion system and HAL’s existing expertise, positioning the company as a natural partner for GA-ASI. The collaboration aims to leverage HAL’s familiarity with the Honeywell TPE331 engine to offer localized maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the MQ-9B fleet, which is expected to enhance operational readiness and reduce dependency on foreign support. This partnership aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

In addition to the GA-ASI collaboration, HAL is working toward establishing its own facility for manufacturing and repairing the Honeywell TPE331 engines. This ambitious plan would enable HAL to not only service the MQ-9B and its own aircraft but also potentially cater to other global operators using the same engine. The development of this facility, expected to be based at HAL’s Bengaluru or Nashik complexes, is seen as a strategic step to bolster India’s aerospace ecosystem.

The MQ-9B deal, finalized in June 2024, involves the acquisition of 31 drones for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with deliveries slated to begin in 2026.

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