Minister appreciates involvement of private organisations and MSMEs in design and developments of products
Minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamre has assured Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) that work load for its Nashik unit will continue to flow even after Su30-MKI manufacturing and production activities conclude in the next few years.
“HAL has the world class facilities and given the successful integration of BrahMos on Su-30 MKI, 40 more aircraft will undergo such integration. HAL can partially shift its light combat aircraft LCA manufacturing at Nashik and there is possibility of fifth generation fighter aircraft work happening at Nashik,” he said at a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Summit under Make-in-India at HAL Nashik.
Expressing concern over HAL’s order book beyond 2020-21, Bhamre said, “HAL’s facility is of national importance and cannot be allowed to be idle. With the availability of modern infrastructure and expertise, additional orders on HAL would help IAF bridge the gap between the existing and desired squadron strength in the shortest possible time. This is possible with the PPP.”
He highlighted that the delivery of 100th empennage assemblies also affirms the successful PPP in outsourcing of aircraft assemblies, first time in the country. It has become role model under Make in India program, he stated. It should be the future model not only of the HAL but other companies too, he said. There is a need for larger ecosystem of private enterprises to transform themselves for greater participation in the aerospace sector to support Make in India.
HAL has been instrumental in nurturing a competitive aviation eco-system by partnering with private industries as outsourced partners with more than 30 percent of HAL’s man-hours being outsourced, he said.
Bhamre said it is commendable that private organisations including MSMEs are being engaged in design and developments of products and technologies.