SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fighter fleet maintenance, has been placed on high alert following India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The heightened state of readiness entails mandatory overtime for HAL staff, with engineers and technicians prepared for immediate deployment to ensure the operational readiness of IAF’s fighter aircraft during this period of intensified conflict with Pakistan.
According to sources within HAL, the company has implemented additional shifts, including one from 7 PM to 11 PM, and is ready to operate around the clock if required. “Our staff critical for maintenance have been told to be prepared for any requirement, and some have been asked to volunteer in case there’s a requirement for travel,” an HAL source told The Times of India. This level of preparedness mirrors the company’s efforts during the 1999 Kargil conflict, when technicians worked tirelessly for weeks to keep the IAF’s fleet combat-ready.
HAL serves as the fourth line of service for IAF’s commissioned fighter planes, handling complex repairs involving engines, avionics, and major control systems. The first two lines of service occur at the squadron level, while the third line, requiring more extensive repairs, is managed at Base Repair Depots (BRDs). During peacetime, aircraft needing fourth- or fifth-line servicing are sent to HAL, but in emergencies, the IAF lacks the luxury of time, necessitating rapid response from HAL’s workforce.
A retired IAF officer explained, “In emergency situations, IAF does not have the luxury to wait for aircraft to be sent to HAL and returned. Therefore, it is general practice to have back-up staff on their toes.” HAL’s facilities in Nashik manage the Su-30 and MiG fleets, while European platforms like the Mirage and Jaguar are serviced in Bengaluru, ensuring comprehensive coverage for the IAF’s diverse fighter inventory.
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