Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd plans
to invest more than Rs 25,000 crore in the next 10 years on
the back of a strong order pipeline and big ticket projects on
the horizon.
The Chairman of the defence PSU, Ashok Nayak, said the
company has an order book of more than Rs 60,000 crore.
"We have got a new order for upgrading the Jaguar once
more. Fresh order for the IJT (Intermediate Jet Trainer) is
imminent ... it's under approval ... may be Rs 6,000 crore
additional order. Hawk ... additional 57 -- 40 for IAF and 17
for the Navy -- they are trying to buy," he told reporters
here today.
Nayak said HAL plans to invest Rs 25,000 crore, mainly
through internal accruals. "We have some reserves. Some grant
will be given to each project (by the government)".
On how HAL would realise its aim of becoming a USD six
billion company in 10 years, from being a USD 2 billion
company now, he said that "big-ticket projects" of multi-role
combat aircraft, fifth generation fighter aircraft, multi-role
transport aircraft and regional transport aircraft are
expected to take off in the coming years.
"So these things will bring the company to that level,"
Nayak said. "We hope we can do lot more outsourcing.
Infrastructure in the Indian private industry is also coming
up. We would like to make use of that".
Nayak said HAL is in the process of signing an MoU with
the National Aerospace Laboratories to manufacture 30-35
'Saras' multi-role light transport aircraft, designed and
developed by the latter.
He also said HAL has put on hold its plans to build an
MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility for aircraft
here, because "the situation (market for such a business) has
not revived for reconsideration".
Nayak said the light combat helicopter developed by HAL
is all set for its maiden flight. "It is expected to fly
pretty soon. Maybe a couple of weeks ... eight-ten weeks."
Nayak said 90 advanced light helicopters (Dhruv),
developed and manufactured by HAL, are flying today and the
company has received orders to deliver 160 more.
On the cause of Dhruv helicopter crash in Ecuador last
month, he said experts are expected to pinpoint the reason
with the help of the crash data recorder in a week's time,
though initial indication was that it happened due to the
"sharp overmaneuvre" of the pilot.
PTI
First Published: Friday, November 20, 2009, 19:09