Nashik: During a ceremony at HAL's Nashik Division recently, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane inaugurated the third LCA production line and presented the 100th Sukhoi-30 MKI ROH aircraft to Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Eng A) Air Vice Marshal Sarin (VSM) of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
HAL's CEO (MiGComplex) Saket Chaturvedi handed over the Signal Out Certificate (SOC) of the100th ROH aircraft to Air Vice Marshal Sarin (VSM) in the presence of HAL's CMDCB Ananthakrishnan and other high-ranking officials. The Defence Secretary commended HAL for its efforts in meeting the security requirements of the country and highlighted its role in the implementation of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat'.
“Aatmanirbhar Bharat' policies have put HAL in a significant position, leading to increased production in the future. HAL is urged to develop new systems, concepts, and platforms for future growth,” he added.
Armane also urged the HAL to explore new areas like unmanned vehicles and compete aggressively in the defence market. He emphasized the significance of innovation, excellence, and performance.
Speaking on the occasion, HAL CMD said: “The addition of a new production line will boost HAL's LCA MK1A production capacity from 16 to 24aircraft per year. Despite supply chain challenges in the current geo-political climate, HAL's Nashik Division has achieved a maximum overhaul capacity of 20Su-30 aircraft annually."
In 2014, HAL's Nashik Division established the world's first Su-30 MKI repair and overhaul (ROH) facility to meet the Indian Air Force's operational needs. With expertise gained from manufacturing MiG-series and Su30-MKI aircraft, as well as overhauling MiG-series aircraft, HALsuccessfully developed the necessary technology with support from the IAF,regulatory bodies, and private industries.
Multiple HAL sister divisions are involved in ROH activities, and the company intends to indigenize most ROHcomponents within 3-5 years to decrease its dependence on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). /BI/
