HAL Chief reveals no immediate plans for 6th gen fighter, confirms plans to ramp up Tejas production

The Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), CB Ananthakrishnan, illuminated the company's approach to potential collaborations in the development of a 6th generation fighter aircraft during an interaction with ANI on Monday, November 27. Speaking on the matter, Ananthakrishnan underscored the current ambiguity surrounding the concept and capabilities required for 6th generation aircraft. He stated, "Notwithstanding that the 6th generation is something on which there is no clarity regarding the concept and required capabilities, it is still evolving."

However, despite the uncertainty, HAL remains open to engaging with the private sector once a clearer concept emerges. Ananthakrishnan highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the private industry for the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Mark 1A and Mark II projects, aiming to significantly enhance indigenous content. "In the case of LCA Mark 1A and Mark II, which are going to be developed, we are engaging the private industry, and we plan to engage them in a big way," he stated. Currently, efforts are underway to increase the indigenous content of LCA Mark 1A from 55% to an impressive 70%.

Aims to accelerate the delivery schedule while augmenting its manufacturing capability

While HAL explores potential collaborations for future developments, it is persisting in its efforts to bolster production capacity. Ananthakrishnan outlined plans to elevate HAL's production capacity from 16 to 24 aircraft, a stride aimed at meeting growing demands. "For this, a third line is being established at Nashik. In total, there will be three independent lines, each producing 8 aircraft," he affirmed.

Anticipating an enhanced production output, HAL aims to expedite the delivery schedule for the order of 83 LCA Tejas Mark 1A aircraft. Ananthakrishnan expressed confidence in their ability to deliver ahead of schedule, targeting the commencement of 24 aircraft deliveries per year starting from 2025-26.

Following the Prime Minister’s historic sortie, the Ministry of Defence made a revelation that HAL’s current capability of manufacturing 8 Tejas aircraft per year will be tripled by 2025. The MoD's official statement stated, “HAL has the current capacity to build 8 LCA aircraft per year. This is being increased to 16 aircraft every year by 2025 and further to 24 aircraft every year in the next 3 years.”

Global context and focus on indigenous capabilities

Also, in a global context, while European nations pursue sixth-generation fighter programs, HAL remains focused on maximising indigenous capabilities and expanding production lines. The FCAS (Future Combat Air System) program by France, Germany, and Spain, as well as the Tempest program involving the UK, Italy, and Sweden, are among the envisioned futuristic combat aircraft programs. The US, too, is working on the concept of a 6th generation fighter rumoured to be designated as ‘F/A-XX’.