In light of Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s concerns regarding delays in the production of the Tejas aircraft, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya commended Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for its achievements in domestic aircraft manufacturing. Speaking at Aero India, Surya highlighted the HTT-40 trainer as a symbol of India’s technological prowess and self-reliance, noting its use by the IAF for pilot training. He asserted that the aircraft embodies the success of the Atmanirbharta initiative, made possible through effective leadership and institutional backing.
Surya traced the HTT-40 project’s ups and downs, pointing to a decision by the previous UPA government in 2012 to procure Pilatus trainer aircraft, which was later scrutinized, leading to a CBI inquiry and the blacklisting of the Swiss firm involved. He credited the revival of the HTT-40 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India initiative and then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s supportive efforts post-2014, resulting in the project’s completion in a record 40 months.
Despite ongoing concerns about delays in the Tejas program, HAL remains a formidable entity in the global defense sector, bolstered by the DAC’s approval in 2022 to procure 70 HTT-40 aircraft for the IAF. The HTT-40 is praised for its modern design, while the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft has attracted international interest from Argentina, Egypt, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
Addressing the challenges in the Tejas Mk1A production, HAL Chairman Dr. DK Sunil reassured the IAF of the company’s commitment, noting that supply chain issues, especially relating to jet engines, are being resolved. Surya emphasized the privilege of flying in India-made aircraft, highlighting the nation’s strides towards strategic autonomy in aerospace and defense technology. HAL continues to advance India’s ambitions in indigenous defense production, underscoring its pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s military technology capabilities.
Original Source: https://tripurachronicle.in/national-news/bjp-mp-surya-hails-hals-htt-40-amidst-iaf-chiefs-concerns/
Category : National News
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Publish Date: 2025-02-13 11:30:00
