News Desk
BENGALURU — Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-run aerospace giant, is poised to secure a record order book of $30 billion over the next six months, reinforcing its position as a major defense manufacturer in South Asia.
Speaking at the Aero India 2025 show in Bengaluru on Tuesday, HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil confirmed the company had already secured $6.6 billion in new contracts this fiscal year and expected to finalize another $14.5 billion in the coming months.
“We are actively negotiating two major contracts—one for 97 Tejas light combat aircraft and another for 156 Prachanda light combat helicopters,” Sunil said. “Both deals are in advanced stages, and we hope to close them soon.”
HAL has ramped up production capacity to meet the increased demand, with three manufacturing units for the Tejas fighter jet located in Bengaluru and Nashik. The company plans to roll out 26 aircraft by 2026, in collaboration with private partners such as Tata and Larsen & Toubro.
India’s defense exports are also gaining momentum. HAL is in discussions with Malaysia, the Philippines, and North America for potential deals involving the Dornier aircraft and other platforms. The company is investing $300 million annually in research and development, focusing on the next-generation Tejas Mark 2, multirole helicopters, and advanced combat drones.
With a substantial order pipeline and expanding global outreach, HAL is set to play a pivotal role in India’s efforts to strengthen its aerospace and defense manufacturing sector.
