Yes, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or HAL is a government company. It is a Maharatna public sector undertaking in the aerospace and defence sector under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Founded on 22nd December 1940 as Hindustan Aircraft Limited, it was renamed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the year 1964. The Government of India holds around 71% stakes in the company.
HAL provides end-to-end solutions, right from design and development to manufacturing, repair and overhaul for multiple aerial platforms and systems like combat aircrafts, helicopters, avionics, cryogenic engines and more. It primarily serves the Indian armed forces, alongside space and civil aviation sectors.
Here is a quick overview of HAL
| Details | Info |
| Founded | 22nd December 1940 |
| Founder | Seth Walchand Hirachand |
| Headquarters | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Chairman | D.K. Sunil |
| Industry | Aerospace, Defence |
| Products | Fighter Aircrafts, Helicopters, Civilian Aircrafts, Engines, Avionics |
| Production Units | Bangalore, Nasik, Koraput, Lucknow, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Korwa, Barrackpore |
Company History
HAL traces its origins to Hindustan Aircraft Limited which was founded on 22nd December 1940 by Seth Walchand Hirachand in collaboration with the Maharaja of Mysore and an American businessman, William D. Pawley. In March 1941, the Government of India became one of the shareholders, eventually taking over the management in 1942.
In the 1950s, the company built trainer aircrafts like Percival Prentice, transport aircrafts like Hawker Siddeley HS-748 and combat aircrafts like Vampires and Gnat under licence. On 1st October 1964, Hindustan Aircraft Limited merged with other entities to form Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
In the late 1960s, HAL developed and produced HF-24 Marut, India’s first indigenous combat aircraft. Subsequently, the company commenced licensed production of several foreign aircrafts, such as MiG-21, SEPECAT Jaguar, Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, Dornier 228 and others. HAL initiated the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas program in 1983.
Current Status
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is one of the largest aerospace companies in Asia, with an annual turnover of over USD 3 billion. Key operational projects of the company include Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets for the IAF, 200 HAL Light Combat Helicopters for the IAF, 221 Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets for the IAF, upgrading of SEPECAT Jaguar fleet of the IAF and preparations for licensed production of GE F414 engine production.
The production units of HAL are located in Bangalore, Nasik, Koraput, Lucknow, Kanpur, Hyderabad, Korwa and Barrackpore. These facilities are dedicated to aircraft and helicopter assembly, engine production, avionics, foundry and forge and maintenance, repair and overhaul or MRO.
Future Outlook
HAL is well positioned for a sustained growth, driven by a burgeoning order book, indigenous defence programmes, capacity expansions, diversification into civil aviation and India’s broader push for self reliance. Licensed production of GE F414 engine is expected to commence in 2029.
