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HAL Upgradation to Maharatna
Context:
State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is likely to be upgraded to the category of Maharatna from its current status of Navratna among central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) by the end of this calendar year.
Criteria for Maharatna Status
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- Greater Autonomy for HAL:This upgrade will grant HAL’s board more operational and financial independence, enabling it to make project investments up to ₹5,000 crore without government approval. As a Navratna, HAL can currently invest autonomously up to ₹1,000 crore.
- Current Maharatna and Navratna CPSEs:India currently has 13 Maharatna and 25 Navratna CPSEs. In August 2023, Oil India was upgraded to Maharatna status.
HAL Upgradation:
Indigenous Aircraft Development
- Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA): Developed with advanced avionics and composite materials, enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence.
- Advanced Helicopters: Designed the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) for high-altitude warfare.
- Joint Ventures & CollaborationsGlobal Partnerships: Collaborated with Boeing, Safran, Rolls-Royce, and Sukhoi, leading to technology transfers and co-production (e.g., Apache helicopters).
- Research & Development (R&D) in New Platforms: Invested in developing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and UAVs, exploring AI and autonomous systems for future warfare.
Manufacturing & Production Upgrades
- Advanced Facilities: Modernised production lines with digital technologies and 3D printing for lightweight, efficient aircraft components.
- Civil Aviation: Developed the Hindustan-228 for regional civil aviation markets.
- Export Growth: Expanded exports, with Tejas, Dhruv, and LCH gaining interest from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Integration of AI and Digital Technologies
- AI & Sensors: Incorporated AI, machine learning, and augmented reality (AR) into products and maintenance, increasing operational efficiency.
Expansion of Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO)
- MRO Services: Expanded MRO capabilities for fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft, positioning HAL as a global MRO hub.
Significance of HAL in Enhancing India’s Deterrence System:
- Nuclear-Capable Aircraft
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI & Jaguar: HAL manufactures and upgrades these nuclear-capable aircraft, ensuring India’s second-strike capability and air-based nuclear delivery.
- Advanced Combat Platforms
- AMCA Development: The stealth-based Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) may become a future nuclear delivery platform, enhancing deterrence with cutting-edge technology.
- Strategic Surveillance & UAVs
- UAV Development: HAL’s UAVs contribute to real-time intelligence and reconnaissance, supporting strategic decision-making in nuclear conflict scenarios.
- Electronic Warfare (EW) & Survivability:EW Systems: HAL integrates EW capabilities into nuclear-capable aircraft, ensuring survivability in hostile environments during nuclear missions.
- BrahMos Integration: HAL’s support in missile systems like BrahMos, which could carry nuclear warheads, adds to India’s strategic missile capabilities.
