hal
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Maharatna defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), is making significant strides towards securing a contract for the supply of Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The contract is expected to be signed in the second quarter of 2025, marking a major step towards replacing the aging fleet of World War II-era Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
The LUH is designed and developed by HAL’s Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre, with the goal of addressing the operational requirements of the Indian Army Aviation Corps and the Indian Air Force. The helicopter has already received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the Indian Army from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) in February 2021, a milestone that has paved the way for the ongoing finalization of its certification.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has recently experienced a notable increase in inquiries from various countries looking to procure spares for the AL-31F engines, which power the Su-30 family of fighter jets. This uptick in interest is largely due to delays in Russian supply chains, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and the heavy operational use of the Su-30SM in frontline engagements.
The AL-31F, developed by Russia’s Ufa Engine Industrial Association (UMPO), is a critical component of the Su-30 aircraft, including the Indian variant, the Su-30MKI. Known for its reliability and performance, the engine has been integral to the operational capabilities of numerous air forces worldwide.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s defence aviation landscape is on the cusp of a technological leap as plans for the proposed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Fighter Trainer-42 (HLFT-42) likely will incorporate cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Designed to enhance pilot cadets’ learning and boost operational combat capabilities, the HLFT-42 could redefine how fighter pilots are trained in the country.
AI integration in the HLFT-42 is expected to transform training methodologies through the inclusion of virtual tactical training systems. These systems would enable cadets to simulate and practice various combat scenarios, ranging from short-range dogfights to mid- and long-range engagements. By exposing pilots to realistic combat situations in a controlled environment, this technology promises to sharpen skills and improve decision-making under pressure.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42), proposed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is emerging as a potential replacement for the Hawk Mk132 Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) currently in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The HLFT-42 is designed to bridge the gap between stage-III pilot training and the induction of 4.5+ and 5.5 generation fighter jets in the IAF, with discussions ongoing between the IAF and HAL to fine-tune the aircraft’s key requirements.
The HLFT-42 is being developed as a 4.5+ generation fighter trainer capable of simulating the advanced capabilities of next-generation platforms such as the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) and Tejas MkII. With a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 16.5 tons, the dual-seat trainer will be able to replicate modern fighter jets’ systems, performance, and combat characteristics, providing critical training for pilots before their induction into frontline squadrons.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
On the sidelines of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s anticipated visit to India in early 2025, Russia plans to propose a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal to sell its fifth-generation Su-57E fighter jets to India. This move is seen as part of Russia’s renewed efforts to strengthen defence ties with India after the latter exited the Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, which aimed to develop a twin-seat variant of the Su-57 tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Russia’s state officials, in conversations with idrw.org, have indicated that Moscow is ready to offer 60-70 Su-57E jets to India. The proposal aims to address the IAF’s combat squadron depletion, offering a swift boost to India’s air power. The Su-57E is an export variant of the Su-57, a fifth-generation multi-role fighter designed for air superiority and strike missions with stealth, super maneuverability, and advanced avionics.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, which is set to become a cornerstone of India’s naval airpower, is on track for a Critical Design Review (CDR) by mid-2025. This milestone will be key to ensuring the viability of the program and will precede the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance for the required funding.
Despite being classified as a 5 Minus Generation fighter, the TEDBF will be a highly advanced platform, drawing on technological advancements from India’s AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program, but tailored to meet the unique demands of naval operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is exploring the integration of a small Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar on India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. This innovative development aims to enhance the helicopter’s combat capabilities by improving situational awareness, particularly in complex battlefield environments.
The Mini-AESA radar, under development by HAL, is designed to provide critical aerial mapping, ensuring that the crew has real-time data on the surrounding environment. With an ability to detect and track targets in varied conditions, the Mini-AESA radar would allow the LCH Prachand to navigate and engage with higher precision in combat zones, even when visibility is limited.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme has unveiled an ambitious project to design and develop an indigenous Smart Multifunctional Display (MFD) for fighter aircraft. This initiative is a significant stride toward modernizing the avionics of India’s fighter fleet, enhancing operational capabilities, and achieving self-reliance in defence technology.
The current fighter aircraft fleet relies on outdated cockpit display systems that struggle to meet the demands of modern combat and reconnaissance missions. These legacy systems are limited in providing pilots with real-time, integrated access to critical mission and flight data. The planned Smart Multifunctional Display aims to bridge this gap by offering advanced capabilities tailored to modern operational requirements.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
With the Indian Air Force (IAF) facing declining squadron levels, plans are underway to fast-track the development of the Loyal Wingman program, a critical force multiplier designed to enhance combat capabilities. The program is spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with private sector company NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT).
The IAF is placing significant emphasis on the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) being developed under the Loyal Wingman initiative. A series of meetings between HAL, NRT, and the IAF have confirmed that substantial progress has already been made in the development of the CATS Warrior. The majority of the technology required for this project has been developed, and the design has been validated through rigorous testing, including the successful testing of a scale model that evaluated the platform’s basic design and flight characteristics.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkII, slated for operational debut around 2032-33, will be the first fighter jet to integrate an AI-operated unmanned bomber—a Heavy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)—as part of a cutting-edge “family of systems” approach. This innovation represents a significant leap forward in both combat autonomy and aircraft-drone coordination, with the introduction of the Ghatak UCAV, a stealthy drone bomber designed for a variety of high-stakes missions.
The Ghatak UCAV, a 13-ton unmanned aircraft based on a flying-wing design, will be a key asset in the AMCA MkII’s arsenal. Designed with composite materials and stealth coatings, the Ghatak will have a reduced radar cross-section, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect. This UCAV will be able to perform multiple roles, such as Striking enemy radars, Conducting reconnaissance missions, and Acting as a mini-bomber, capable of taking out armored columns and critical enemy infrastructure.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has taken a significant step forward in its Kaveri engine program, initiating procurement of critical materials for a demonstration of the Dry Kaveri engine mated with an advanced afterburner section. This effort aims to demonstrate a fully functional engine capable of generating up to 80 kN of thrust, marking a considerable increase from previous test results and positioning the engine as a potential power plant for both indigenous and foreign aircraft platforms.
The Dry Kaveri engine, initially targeted to produce around 46 kN of thrust, has recently achieved up to 49-50 kN in ground trials. With the integration of a new afterburner section, GTRE expects the engine to produce 80 kN of thrust, an increase from the 73 kN it achieved in earlier demonstrations. This performance upgrade is vital to fulfilling the operational requirements of modern fighter jets, including the possibility of powering India’s indigenous platforms like the Tejas Mk1A in single-engine configurations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. D.K. Sunil, is moving forward with plans to maintain its production momentum for the Tejas Mk1A aircraft despite the ongoing delay in the delivery of the GE F-404 engines. According to a HAL official who spoke exclusively to idrw.org, HAL is taking proactive steps to ensure that the Tejas Mk1A aircraft remain on track for delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the time the engines arrive in the country.
With the delay in the arrival of the GE F-404 engines, HAL is preparing to build and store Tejas Mk1A aircraft with Category B F-404 engines for the initial pre-delivery flight testing. The Category B F-404 engines, a temporary solution, will enable the aircraft to undergo initial flight testing before more GE F-404 engines are integrated into the aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) are set to begin fabricating a full-scale model of the Ghatak stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) program. This development follows the infusion of funding for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Ghatak programs, signifying a major milestone in India’s indigenous stealth aircraft capabilities.
The Ghatak is a 12-ton, stealthy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to operate in high-threat environments. It is intended to perform deep penetration strikes, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in contested airspace, where conventional manned aircraft may not survive.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the lead integrator of the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is facing significant delays in the production of the Tejas Mk1A due to the lack of supply of F-404 engines from GE Aerospace. The setback has affected the planned rollout of the first Tejas Mk1A jet from HAL’s new third production line, located in the MiG complex in Nashik. Originally scheduled for November, the milestone has now been postponed till March 2025, further impacting HAL’s ambitious production targets.
HAL, which currently operates two Tejas LCA production lines in Bangalore, has been manufacturing 16 aircraft per year. However, the lack of F-404 engines has caused production to slow down. HAL had aimed to expand its manufacturing capacity by opening the Nashik plant, with plans to initially produce an additional five Tejas Mk1A jets per year and eventually ramp up to eight. The production boost at Nashik was seen as critical to meeting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) requirement of 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, which were ordered under a ?46,898 crore contract signed in February 2021.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The supply of 99 F-404 engines by GE Aerospace to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a 2021 contract has experienced significant delays, with deliveries postponed by nearly 10 months. Despite provisions in the contract that allow for financial penalties due to delayed supply, HAL has decided not to enforce these penalties on GE Aerospace. Sources close to the program have indicated idrw.org that the strategic nature of the project, combined with the necessity for continued collaboration with GE for future engine procurement, influenced this decision.
GE Aerospace has not yet delivered any of the F-404 engines meant for the Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk1A program. However, the company is set to begin deliveries from this month and has committed to accelerating the delivery schedule over the next few months. By 2026, production is expected to ramp up significantly to meet the growing demands of the Tejas Mk1A and the upcoming Tejas MkII program.
Continue reading