HAL's New Chief Tasked to Address Tejas Mk1A Delay, Will Also Oversee Tejas MkII Progress

Dr. Devanahalli Krishnamurthy Sunil (DKS) has taken the helm at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), assuming the role of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).

This appointment comes at a crucial juncture for the state-owned aerospace behemoth, as it navigates challenges surrounding the delivery timeline of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet and the concurrent development of the Tejas MkII.

Dr. Sunil's immediate focus will be on mitigating the delays in the Tejas Mk1A delivery schedule and solidifying a deal for an additional 97 aircraft with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Simultaneously, he will oversee the pivotal phase of the Tejas MkII program, with assembly slated to commence next month.

A key priority for the new CMD is to expedite the Tejas MkII's development, with an ambitious goal of achieving rollout by late 2025 and completing the first flight in 2026. This aggressive timeline is essential to ensure the Tejas MkII aligns with its intended operational requirements.

Bringing a wealth of experience to the position, Dr. Sunil is poised to play a pivotal role in steering HAL through these demanding times. His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of HAL's projects and fostering the continued growth of India's burgeoning aerospace industry.

 

[Abhijeet Dey]

Firstly GOI and HAL should sign "Make in India" GE 414IN engine deal at the earliest.

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

NO any GE engines coming from USA by December 2024 means, USA Deep State wants IAF to purchase F35's! And so therefore, it means Tejas SEF jets programs gets scrapped and cancelled. Also, if IAF selects Rafales or Gripen-E jets in MRFA tender then silent sanctions on India with no GE engines deliveries coming at all!...

 

[PKPRS]

NO any GE engines coming from USA by December 2024 means, USA Deep State wants IAF to purchase F35's! And so therefore, it means Tejas SEF jets programs gets scrapped and cancelled. Also, if IAF selects Rafales or Gripen-E jets in MRFA tender then silent sanctions on India with no GE engines deliveries coming at all!...

December 2025, New administration takes time on important decisions, they won't decide within 2-3 weeks.

 

[ramdas]

If Americans don’t supply or delay the engines what anyone can do. India has fallen into their trap relying on GE engines. There is no alternate plan at all. Unless GTRE makes good progress on Kaveri engines

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

December 2025, New administration takes time on important decisions, they won't decide within 2-3 weeks.

Already Trump is talking about 100% tariffs on India for using BRICS currency and dumping usd! Kamala is pro-CCP..

 

[Hey]

Firstly GOI and HAL should sign "Make in India" GE 414IN engine deal at the earliest.

Not possible before US election & that would be signed between GE & GOI then it would be signed between GE & HAL..

 

[Sandeep]

The person at the top should be a reliable, competent, experienced and have a track record of achieving results and success. This person needs to start producing the trainers and Tejas MK1A as we need them on the borders.

We also need to focus on our critical Tejas MK2 and AMCA program which will give us the fire power that we need for offensive missions. Tejas MK1A is very good for defence and limited offensive missions but we need more weapons on our jets.

 

[R. Singh]

NEW CMD should seek funds form Govt to expand present HAL production lines to 3 assembly lines of 12 fighters per line per plant means HAL one plant should make 36 fighters per year ! PVT sector should be told to upgrade their infra accordingly !

 

[Ashok Kumar]

Firstly GOI and HAL should sign "Make in India" GE 414IN engine deal at the earliest.

More Important Develop it's Own Engines and not be throttled at Critical Times. The Kaveri is a few Decades behind schedule.😱

 

[Chandrasekar Raghupathy]

If Americans don’t supply or delay the engines what anyone can do. India has fallen into their trap relying on GE engines. There is no alternate plan at all. Unless GTRE makes good progress on Kaveri engines

Projects will not function this way, there should be plan B