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India Today
10 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
HAL gets full access to Isro's SSLV rocket: What it means for Indian space program
In a big move for India's space sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been awarded the full contract to manufacture, market, and launch the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), following a first-of-its-kind technology transfer from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).This strategic decision is set to turbocharge India's ambitions in the commercial space launch market, opening the doors to greater private sector participation and SSLV, designed for launching micro and nano satellites on demand, is uniquely positioned to serve the rapidly expanding small satellite market. With global demand for affordable, flexible, and timely satellite launches at an all-time high, India's entry into this market with a fully privatized vehicle is both timely and visionary. The Chairman and Managing Director of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Radhakrishnan Durairaj, highlighted the commercial promise, stating, 'The market is peaking up. I would expect 6-8 SSLV launches per year, and this can be ramped up to 10 in the coming years.'The SSLV's ability to offer launch-on-demand services is expected to attract both domestic and international customers, providing a reliable and cost-effective alternative for deploying small Participation and Infrastructure ExpansionDr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe, emphasised the government's vision for a robust, private-led space sector. 'Our plan is for growth of the space sector with private participation. We are looking at the small satellite launch market and SSLV is fully proven,' he also noted that private companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos are preparing for their own orbital launches, signaling a healthy competitive is also investing in infrastructure to support this growth, with a third launch pad and a dedicated manufacturing unit being set up in Tamil Nadu. 'We are putting infrastructure in place to ensure small satellite launch becomes attractive globally,' Goenka Road Ahead: Competition, ReliabilityIndia's goal is to achieve a launch every two weeks, with market share determined by performance, reliability, and cost more private players enter the field, the onus will be on companies to prove the reliability of their rockets and the affordability of their landmark technology transfer not only cements HAL's role in India's space future but also signals a new era where public-private collaboration will drive innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness in space.A Overworked HALHAL, one of India's oldest and largest aerospace manufacturers, is already managing a massive order book, including 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters, 156 Prachand helicopters, and 240 Sukhoi engines, among other company's backlog is projected to reach seven years, with production lines stretched across multiple locations. While HAL has ramped up capacity — setting up new units and collaborating with private firms to meet targets — its history is marked by delays, particularly in the delivery of complex platforms like the Tejas fighter recent efforts to streamline manufacturing and supply chains, industry observers have often questioned HAL's ability to deliver quickly and at company's leadership acknowledges these concerns but insists that new capacity planning and proactive investments will ensure timely these challenges, HAL's partnership with ISRO is foundational to India's space achievements. The company has played a pivotal role in manufacturing key components for ISRO's launch vehicles and satellites, contributing to the success of missions like Chandrayaan and the development of the Gaganyaan SSLV now under its full control, HAL is set to become a major player in the booming small satellite launch market as India eyes a big piece of the pie. Must Watch
DW
06-06-2025
- Business
- DW
India's air force hampered by aging fleet, delivery delays – DW – 06/06/2025
Chronic delays in defense procurement are frustrating India's efforts to expand its military fleet, with its top air force commander publicly calling out unmet goals and unrealistic timelines. In an unusual public disapproval of India's weapons manufacturing ecosystem, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Amar Preet Singh lamented the delays plaguing the country's defense projects and urged accountability. Speaking at a high-profile industry gathering in the capital New Delhi last week, in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, the air chief declared that contract timelines are routinely unrealistic and questioned the fundamental credibility of delivery promises made by public sector defense companies. "Many times, we know while signing contracts that those systems will never come. Not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time," said Singh, referring to the agreed deadlines at the time of contract signing. "Why should we promise something which cannot be achieved?" Singh asked. While pointing to the changing nature and landscape of warfare involving drone technology, the air chief urged timely induction of new technologies into the armed forces. In 2016, India signed a deal with France for 36 Rafale jets Image: DebajyotixChakraborty/NurPhoto/IMAGO India aims to overhaul defense ecosystem For several years, the IAF has faced repeated delays in the delivery of new aircraft, especially the indigenous multirole combat jet Tejas Mk1A. For instance, not a single Tejas Mk1A from the 2021 order has yet been delivered despite repeated assurances of their imminent arrival. Singh's latest comments come on the heels of recent armed clashes between India and Pakistan, where Indian air force employed manned aircraft alongside drones, enabling deeper incursions into Pakistani airspace. The aerial confrontation was in response to a deadly attack by Islamist assailants that killed 26 people, mostly Hindu men, in India-administered Kashmir. New Delhi has accused Pakistan of supporting the attack, a charge Islamabad denies. During the four days of fierce clashes, reports emerged of aircraft losses and integration challenges. Pakistan's defense minister claimed three of India's fighter jets had been shot down during the fighting, though this was not independently verified. India's chief of defense staff told Reuters last week that India suffered losses in the air, but declined to give details. India, Pakistan pull back from brink of war over Kashmir To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Defense analysts say India urgently needs boost aircraft production and its modernization efforts to ensure its air force remains combat-ready. However, India's defense procurement system has been chronically bogged down by a complex, multi-stage procedures, frequent changes in requirements, and prolonged negotiations — often leading to projects taking years longer than initially planned. Plane prototypes arriving too late Tara Kartha, former member of the National Security Council Secretariat, which sits at the apex of India's national security architecture, flagged the slow pace of procurement which impacts the military's operational readiness. "Programs like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Tejas Mk-2 are still in development, with functional prototypes expected by 2028–2029, which are too slow to address immediate needs," Kartha told DW. In her reckoning, the systemic changes envisaged by Prime Minister Narender Modi have not taken off, with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) still unable to deliver projects on time. "It is time the defense services have a separate cadre for procurement and development to optimize efficiency and get away from bottlenecks," Kartha underlined. India looks abroad as Russian jets age out Former Lieutenant General Deependra Singh Hooda, who handled numerous strategic challenges along the borders with both Pakistan and China, points to evolving threats in the region as the reason for urgency in military procurement and modernization. "The air chief is absolutely correct. The fighter aircraft fleet has shrunk significantly due to delays in delivery of indigenous fighters," Hooda told DW. "Some hard decisions now must be taken, including considering foreign buys to ensure that the air force has adequate capability to take on future challenges. Meanwhile, we need to look beyond the public sector units to energize the private sector," he said. Programs like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are too slow to address immediate needs, Kartha said Image: Stringer/REUTERS The IAF currently operates 31 combat squadrons, far below its sanctioned strength of 42. Considering a typical squadron has about 18 to 20 aircraft, the shortfall of 11 squadrons would amount to around 200 fighter jets. This shortfall is due to the retirement of aging aircraft like the MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 in the 2000s and 2010s without adequate replacement. The procurement process for the French-made Rafale multirole fighter aircraft has been relatively faster and smoother compared to many other major defense deals but it has still involved significant timelines and strategic considerations. In 2016, India finally signed a government-to-government deal with France for 36 Rafale jets. Air power proves crucial Former Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar pointed out that the IAF's ability to project power, achieve air dominance, and deliver precision strikes proved to be crucial during the recent fighting with Pakistan. "The events of those 90 hours underscore the pivotal and decisive role of the Indian Air Force. It was the sustained and impactful application of air power, targeting critical enemy infrastructure and capabilities," Nambiar told DW. "While broader geopolitical considerations and actions by other arms of the military played their part, the offensive air campaign was undoubtedly the principal factor that broke the enemy's will to continue the conflict," he added. At the same time, the aerial confrontation has also highlighted the growing influence of Chinese military technology, with Pakistan reportedly using the Chinese-made J-10C fighter jet and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles. This deployment has drawn global attention, particularly from the US and Western nations, as it signals China's advancing capabilities in air warfare. Drones and AI: How technology is changing warfare To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Scaling up India's defense manufacturing Konark Rai, managing director of Rudram Dynamics, a defense startup, said the recent clashes were not just a test of India's armed forces but also a stress test for its defense industry. "When a war or national emergency hits and mass production is suddenly required, these firms falter. Not for the lack of effort or innovation, but because the system they operate in does not empower them to scale on demand," Rai told DW. Rai said the time has come for structural reform. "First, the archaic L1 or lowest bidder system and No Cost No Commitment (NCNC) trials must be rethought," said Rai, referring to a process in defense acquisitions where the government neither bears the cost of trials nor commits to buy the product after the trial. While admitting due diligence was necessary, Rai pointed out that staging trials without commitment is extremely risky and expensive HE claims the process discourages companies, especially small and medium ones, from contributing to defense procurement. "A better approach would be for defense forces to proactively scout technologies across the country in collaboration with local colleges, rather than just with the institutions of national importance," he added. Edited by: Srinivas Mazumdaru
India Gazette
30-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
First centre fuselage for LCA Tejas Mk 1A handed over to HAL
New Delhi [India], May 30 (ANI): In a boost to India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, the first centre fuselage assembly for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by VEM Technologies in Hyderabad on May 30, the Ministry of Defence said in a release on Friday. The handover took place in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of HAL, Dr DK Sunil. According to the release, this marks the first time a major sub-assembly for the LCA Tejas has been manufactured by a private Indian company. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar hailed the partnership between HAL and VEM Technologies for accelerating the production of LCA Mk 1A. He said that defence production and exports are growing significantly, at about 10 per cent annually. This would not have been possible without the support of industries and Public Sector Units like HAL. The country's security and sovereignty are paramount and cannot be achieved without its own manufacturing and supply of spare parts, which could meet the requirements of the Armed Forces. CMD, HAL, acknowledged the rapid growth of Tier 1 and MSME suppliers in the production of the LCA Tejas. The handover marked a significant milestone in establishing a fourth production line for the LCA Mk1A, in addition to the two existing lines in HAL-Bengaluru and one in HAL-Nashik. He assured that with major sub-assemblies underway, HAL will increase the production of the LCA aircraft and ensure timely deliveries to the Indian Air Force. HAL has built a national aerospace ecosystem by closely supporting private partners and providing critical inputs such as jigs, fixtures, tools, and technical know-how. This has enabled companies like L&T, Alpha Tocol, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), VEM Technologies, and Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW) to produce complex sub-assemblies such as centre fuselages, fuel drop tanks, pylons, rear fuselages, wings, fins, rudders, and air intakes. The LCA Tejas Division has already received structural modules of air intake assemblies, rear fuselage assemblies, loom assemblies, and fin and rudder assemblies in the Mk1A configuration. HAL plans to extend this outsourcing model to future projects, reinforcing its in-house capacity with the expertise of Indian industry. In line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, HAL continues to drive indigenisation efforts in the aerospace and defence sector. HAL has partnered with over 6,300 Indian vendors, including 2,448 MSMEs, supporting thousands of skilled jobs and contributing to a robust domestic supply chain. In the last three years, HAL has placed orders worth Rs 13,763 crore with Indian vendors and is actively pursuing the indigenisation of complex aircraft systems and critical components across platforms. (ANI)
United News of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
First centre fuselage for LCA Tejas Mk 1A handed over to HAL
New Delhi, May 30 (UNI) In a significant boost to India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, the first centre fuselage assembly for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by VEM Technologies in Hyderabad on Friday. The handover took place in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar and Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of HAL, DK Sunil, a Defence Ministry statement said. This event marks the first time a major sub-assembly for the LCA Tejas is being manufactured by a private Indian company. Speaking on the occasion, Sanjeev Kumar hailed the partnership between HAL and VEM Technologies in accelerating the production of LCA Mk 1A. He said, "There is a significant growth in defence production at a rate of about 10 percent annually, as well as in our defence exports. This would not have been possible without the support of industries and Public Sector Units like HAL. Security and sovereignty of the country are paramount and cannot be achieved without our own manufacturing and supply of spare parts, which could meet the requirements of the Armed Forces". CMD, HAL, acknowledged the rapid growth of Tier 1 and MSME suppliers in the production of the LCA Tejas. The handover marked a significant milestone in establishing a fourth production line for the LCA Mk1A, in addition to the two existing lines in HAL-Bengaluru and one in HAL-Nashik. He assured that with major sub-assemblies underway, HAL will increase the production of the LCA aircraft and ensure timely deliveries to the Indian Air Force. HAL has built a national aerospace ecosystem by closely supporting private partners and providing critical inputs such as jigs, fixtures, tools, and technical know-how. This has enabled companies like L&T, Alpha Tocol, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), VEM Technologies, and Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW) to produce complex sub-assemblies such as centre fuselages, fuel drop tanks, pylons, rear fuselages, wings, fins, rudders, and air intakes. The LCA Tejas Division has already received structural modules of air intake assemblies, rear fuselage assemblies, loom assemblies, and fin and rudder assemblies in the Mk1A configuration. HAL plans to extend this outsourcing model to future projects, reinforcing its in-house capacity with the expertise of Indian industry. In line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, HAL continues to drive indigenisation efforts in the aerospace and defence sector. In the last three years, HAL has placed orders worth Rs 13,763 crore with Indian vendors and is actively pursuing the indigenisation of complex aircraft systems and critical components across platforms. UNI RBE SSP
News18
30-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Defence Ministry Announces To Reduce Procurement Timelines A Day After IAF Chief Flagged Delays
Last Updated: The Defence Ministry's statement came a day after Air Force Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh raised concerns over delays in major defence procurement projects. The Defence Ministry on Friday said that it has slashed the defence procurement timelines by 69 weeks and is transitioning from cost-plus to competitive pricing models in a bid to to accelerate modernisation and ensure equitable treatment for both public and private sector participants. 'Major reforms in defence procurement are underway. The Ministry of Defence has slashed timelines by 69 weeks and is shifting from cost-plus models to competitive pricing. These steps are designed to accelerate modernisation and bring public & private sectors on equal footing," the ministry said in a post on X. Major reforms in defence procurement are underway. The Ministry of Defence has slashed timelines by 69 weeks and is shifting from cost-plus models to competitive pricing. These steps are designed to accelerate #modernisation and bring public & private sectors on equal footing.…— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 30, 2025 The Defence Ministry's statement came a day after Air Force Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh raised concerns over delays in major defence procurement projects. While addressing the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, the Air Marshal emphasised on the need to expedite the defence procurement process and said that the industry should not make promises if it cannot deliver on time. 'So, once a timeline is given, not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time. So this is something we must look at," the Air Force chief said, adding, 'Why should we promise something which cannot be achieved?" he had said. He further added that while signing the contract itself, the forces are sometimes sure that it is not going to come up on time, but still contracts are signed. 'Sometimes we know it's unachievable but sign the contract anyway. We need to be realistic and transparent from the start," he added. The Air Force Chief had further pushed for faster indigenisation and domestic capability under the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. 'We need both capability and capacity. We can't just produce in India – we must design and develop here too. To produce at scale, we need capacity. So, trust and communication between the forces and industry must continue. We need to be open and forthright to ensure the relationship stays strong," he added. Earlier in February, he had expressed dissatisfaction over the delayed delivery of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. 'I was promised that when I come here in February, 11 Tejas Mk1As would be ready. And not a single one is ready. We all have worked there (in HAL). But I find that HAL is just not in mission mode," he had said. First Published:
