Kolkata: In what appears to be a major boost to indigenization, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a five-year contract, worth ₹2400 crores, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for development and supply of 20 types systems for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A project of the Indian Air Force in Bengaluru on Thursday.
"The deal spanning from 2023 to 2028 involves supplying critical avionics Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), flight control computers and night flying LRUs. This is the biggest ever order that HAL has placed on any Indian company boosting ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign," the central aviation PSU stated.
It said, "The order for supply of these systems for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter fleet will be executed by two divisions of BEL in Bengaluru and Panchkula of Haryana. All the contracted items will be delivered by BEL to HAL in a ready to board condition."
The company added, "Deliveries under 83 Tejas Mk1A order to IAF will commence from financial year 2023-24 onwards. The home-grown fighter is slated to be equipped with indigenous flight control computers, air data computers which would also be supplied by BEL under this contract. These systems have been designed and developed by various labs of DRDO and Aeronautical Development Agency, Bengaluru."
HAL chairman and managing director (CMD) R Madhavan said, “LCA Tejas programme is an excellent example of synergies between Indian Defence establishments such as HAL, DRDO & BEL. The current order for development and supply of 20 types of critical avionics LRUs for Tejas Mk1A is a shot-in-the-arm for Make in India activity.”
BEL CMD Anandi Ramalingam said, “We are pleased to receive this order from HAL for the prestigious LCA Tejas program and look forward to continuing strong partnership and joint success with HAL.”
