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India Today
a day ago
- General
- India Today
Full clearance for Dhruv helicopter fleet pending amid ongoing review
The Indian military's fleet of Dhruv helicopters, grounded for over three months following a series of crashes, is still undergoing phased clearances as a comprehensive review continues. Despite some helicopters returning to operational duty, the full fleet of around 330 remains under scrutiny as the investigation into technical faults Dhruv, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is considered the backbone of India's rotary-wing operations, with over 180 operated by the Army alone, including 60 weaponised Rudra Indian Air Force operates 75, the Navy 24, and the Coast Guard 19. While the helicopters that have received flight clearance are currently undertaking missions across services, HAL is proceeding cautiously, clearing only those units deemed safe after thorough checks. A source told India Today that not all helicopters have received flying clearance as HAL continues its review and is approving aircraft in a phased manner. The Army resumed operations of its cleared helicopters in response to heightened security requirements following the deadly attack in entire fleet was grounded after a Dhruv helicopter of the Coast Guard crashed in Porbandar, marking the latest in a series of incidents that have plagued the platform in recent Aero India in February, HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr DK Sunil shared details from the initial crash investigation, revealing that a crack in the swash plate-a critical component controlling the rotor blades-had been defect investigation team is still probing the cause of the crack, and HAL awaits the final report to determine whether further inspections or changes are needed across the ruling out a design flaw in the helicopter itself, Dr Sunil pointed to possible gaps in training and maintenance. He said that over the past 25 years, 28 Dhruv helicopters have these, 13 were due to technical issues, 13 to human error, and two remain unexplained. Despite the accidents, the Dhruv fleet has collectively logged significant flying hours, underlining its central role in military extended grounding of the fleet was a serious setback for the armed forces and Coast Guard. Similar suspensions occurred in 2023 after a series of crashes across multiple service October 2024, an Indian Air Force Dhruv crashed into water during relief efforts in Bihar due to engine failure. In September that year, a Coast Guard helicopter went down in the Arabian incidents have taken place near Mumbai, Kochi, Jammu, and Pathankot. One of the most tragic crashes occurred in Arunachal Pradesh in October 2022, where a Rudra variant crash claimed the lives of two officers and three the investigation still underway, the Dhruv fleet remains only partially operational. The outcome of the final report will be key to determining whether systemic changes in maintenance protocols or pilot training are required to restore full confidence in the platform and prevent future accidents.- EndsMust Watch
News18
17-07-2025
- Business
- News18
HAL receives first set of wing assemblies for Tejas LCA from L&T
New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI) State-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Thursday received the first set of wing assemblies for its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mk1A) programme. The wing assemblies have been produced by Larsen & Toubro. HAL Chairman and Managing Director D K Sunil described it as a 'testament" to years of 'dedicated hand-holding and a shared commitment to excellence" by the aerospace major and the L&T. 'The HAL is working with suppliers, both large and SMEs, as an initiative towards achieving Aatmanirbharta in the aerospace and defence sector," he said. 'The HAL has effectively built a parallel aircraft structural assembly line in the private sector which will help in capacity augmentation of the LCA Tejas programme," he said. The wing assemblies were handed over to HAL in Coimbatore. In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. The ministry is also in the process of procuring 97 more LCA Mk-1As at a cost around Rs 67,000 crore. The single-engine Mk-1A will be a replacement for the IAF's MiG-21 fighters. The IAF is looking at inducting the warplanes as the number of its fighter squadrons has gone down to 31 from officially sanctioned strength of 42. Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles. PTI MPB ZMN (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 20:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
HAL receives first set of wing assemblies for Tejas LCA from L&T
State-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Thursday received the first set of wing assemblies for its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mk1A) programme. The wing assemblies have been produced by Larsen & Toubro. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category healthcare Data Science Data Science Artificial Intelligence Digital Marketing Others Operations Management MBA MCA Healthcare Design Thinking Degree Cybersecurity Project Management others Management Finance Leadership Product Management PGDM CXO Technology Data Analytics Public Policy Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details HAL Chairman and Managing Director D K Sunil described it as a "testament" to years of "dedicated hand-holding and a shared commitment to excellence" by the aerospace major and the L&T. "The HAL is working with suppliers, both large and SMEs, as an initiative towards achieving Aatmanirbharta in the aerospace and defence sector," he said. "The HAL has effectively built a parallel aircraft structural assembly line in the private sector which will help in capacity augmentation of the LCA Tejas programme," he said. Live Events The wing assemblies were handed over to HAL in Coimbatore. In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. The ministry is also in the process of procuring 97 more LCA Mk-1As at a cost around Rs 67,000 crore. The single-engine Mk-1A will be a replacement for the IAF's MiG-21 fighters. The IAF is looking at inducting the warplanes as the number of its fighter squadrons has gone down to 31 from officially sanctioned strength of 42. Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Second GE 404 engine delivered to HAL, 12 Tejas Mk 1 A to be delivered by year-end: Officials
Twelve Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will be ready to be rolled out by December this year, of which six have already been lined up, government officials privy to the latest developments have said. Officials confirmed to The Indian Express that the second GE F404 engine from US defence major GE Aerospace has already landed in India as of Monday and would be taken to the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Bengaluru, where they will be integrated with the indigenous Tejas Mk 1 A aircraft. In August 2021, HAL placed an order worth Rs 5,375 crore for 99 F404 engines with GE Aerospace to power the indigenously made Tejas Mk-1A. The first of these jet engines was delivered to HAL after a delay of nearly a year and a half, in April this year. The Indian Air Force has placed an order to procure 83 Mk 1 A fighter jets. The defence ministry is also in the process of procuring 97 more LCA Mk-1As at a cost of around Rs 67,000 crore Officials said that GE Aerospace has said it will deliver 10 engines by the end of this year. 'It takes about a month to integrate the engines and do the tests. The process first involves building the fuselage, then getting the lobing and piping done, followed by combining the landing gear,' an official explained. 'After integrating the engines, the ground runs, including the high-speed runs, are carried out for all thorough checks,' the official added. The deliveries of LCA Tejas Mk 1A were scheduled to begin in March 2024, but were delayed by over a year. Last month, HAL Chairperson and Managing Director D K Sunil attributed the delay to GE Aerospace missing the deadline to supply the aircraft engines to HAL for Tejas Mk 1A. The development came weeks after IAF Chief Air Marshal AP Singh expressed concerns over delays in the delivery of the jets. The timely induction of the indigenous fighter jets, including Tejas Mk 1A, is crucial to hold the IAF's dwindling squadron strength. The IAF has phased out most of its MiG-21 squadrons, and early next decade, it is likely to begin phasing out other ageing fighter squadrons. According to officials, HAL plans to produce 16 fighter jets next year, provided the engine deliveries from the US are on schedule. The original plans were to produce 16 aircraft every year and complete deliveries of all jets by 2030. The Tejas Mk 1 A jets have multiple upgrades over the Tejas Mk 1 version, including integration of the AESA radar, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite with a jammer, and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities with integration of Derby and the indigenous ASTRA missile. Officials said testing for the indigenously-made ASTRA missile firings from the aircraft is underway at present. Earlier this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asked US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to expedite the deliveries of GE F404 engines that will power the Tejas Mk 1 A. The engine deliveries from GE Aerospace were originally scheduled to begin in 2023, but were delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues.
News18
10-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Cheaper Than Rafale And F-35, Armed With BrahMos: Tejas Mk1A To Get Rs 60,000 Crore Lift
Last Updated: The Air Force may order 97 more Tejas Mk1A jets, boosting the fleet to 180, strengthening indigenous defence production and enhancing deterrence against enemies In response to growing threats from Pakistan and China, India launched Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack. Turkey has joined the list of adversaries, accused of aiding Pakistan with drones and weapons. Adding to concerns, a Turkish defence firm reportedly plans to invest in Bangladesh, now under an interim government seen as hostile to India. Amid these rising threats, India is rapidly modernising its military. The Army, Navy, and Air Force are upgrading with advanced rifles, tanks, drones, warships, and submarines. The Air Force is set to sign a Rs 60,000 crore deal with HAL for new fighter jets, following a 2021 order of 83 Tejas Mk1A jets worth Rs 48,000 crore. Despite delays caused by US manufacturer General Electric's (GE) engine supply issues, HAL is expected to begin deliveries of these fourth generation fighter jets by 2025, aided by a new production line in Nashik. Currently, the Air Force requires 41 to 42 squadrons to secure border areas but has only 31. With Pakistan set to acquire fifth-generation aircraft from China, India's strategic position could be compromised without prompt action. New Tejas Mk1A Deal Under Review The Air Force is considering ordering 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets, potentially enhancing its fleet to 180 in this category, thereby strengthening indigenous fighter jet production and deterring enemy advances. The 2021 deal to supply 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets remains incomplete due to delays by GE in delivering engines. However, HAL Chairman and MD DK Sunil has stated that if the Air Force places an additional order for 97 jets, the delivery can be completed by 2031. The proposal is currently under review by the Defence Procurement Committee. HAL aims to produce 30 Tejas Mk1A jets annually from 2027, supported by GE's plan to set up a jet engine manufacturing unit in India through a partnership. Power Of BrahMos-NG The Tejas Mk1A will be a significant upgrade over previous fighter jets, featuring an advanced AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar system and plans to integrate the new-generation BrahMos cruise missile and Astra Mk-2 missile. The BrahMos-NG is more advanced than the current version, with a longer range. A hypersonic version is also reportedly in development, promising even greater speed. Powered by General Electric's F404-IN20 engine, the Tejas Mk1A will have a combat radius of 500 km, enabling it to strike targets without crossing enemy borders. Cheaper Than Rafale And F-35 Furthermore, the Defence Department is contemplating the acquisition of fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, an expensive endeavour but necessary to maintain strategic parity with China and Pakistan. However, when it comes to cost, the indigenous Tejas Mk1A is significantly more economical. Priced at Rs 618 crore per unit (Rs 60,000 crore for 97 jets), it is far cheaper than the Rafale. India signed a deal with French defence firm Dassault for 36 Rafale jets at a cost of Euro 7.87 billion (approximately Rs 78,998 crore at current rates), making the per-unit cost around Rs 2,194 crore. The fifth-generation F-35 stealth fighter jet is priced between $80 million and $110 million, translating to around Rs 942 crore per unit. In comparison, the indigenous Tejas Mk1A, at Rs 618 crore per jet, is significantly more cost-effective than both the Rafale and the F-35. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
