IAF chief to review major HAL projects

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

Raha's visit will begin with HAL's MiG
complex in Nasik on June 7, where
India's frontline fighter Sukhois (Su-30
MKI) are manufactured and
overhauled. Sources said the air chief
would visit the flight hangars, ROH
(repair and overhaul) facilities,
assembly line, machine shop,
functional test labs and system test
units.
The air chief is also visiting the
enhanced Kopyo (the radar used on
MiG fighters) test lab in Nasik. Sources
said the Sukhois' cost escalation issue
was unlikely to come up during Raha's
visit, since the matter was being taken
up at the ministry level.
The chief will also be updated on the
technology advancements of the Nasik
division, which is the nodal agency for
integrating supersonic BrahMos
missiles on Sukhoi.
Currently a Sukhoi is undergoing
system integration tests ahead of the
flight trials with the air-launched
version of BrahMos. The flight tests
are set to begin in October and the
missile is expected to enter the IAF
rolls officially next year.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

Raha will arrive in Bangalore on
Sunday and review various IAF projects
being undertaken at HAL's Bangalore
complex, helicopter complex and
design complex. The state-of-the-art
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
series production facility, which is
currently abuzz with activities ahead
of the expected roll out of the first
aircraft (SP-1) in August, will be an
important stop for Raha.
Though the IAF has already placed
confirmed orders of 40 Tejas, HAL is
pushing for 200 aircraft as an
immediate replacement of the MiGs.
Sources said he Hawk manufacturing
facility, Mirage and Jaguar overhaul/
upgrade installations would be on the
chief's radar.
Bolstering Ties
Raha's comprehensive visit to HAL is
significant considering the strained
relationship the IAF had with India's
leading defence public sector
undertaking in the recent past. While
HAL is keen to take risks and invest its
own funds in new projects, the IAF
feels HAL should focus on its
strengths and not venture into
projects.
"There are issues and there were
issues in the past as well. Today, HAL
has improved its record on delivery and
in the serviceability front. We will have
more insights from the chief during
the visit, which will help us serve the
IAF better," said an HAL official here.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

IAF Chief to Review Major HAL Projects | idrw.org