Bengaluru: Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has expressed concerns over Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), stating that he is not confident in its ability to deliver on commitments, particularly regarding the production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets.
In an interaction with the HAL officials sitting in the cockpit, the IAF Chief said, “I can only tell you what our requirements and worries are. You have to alleviate those worries and make us more confident. At the moment, I am just not confident of HAL, which is a very wrong thing to happen.”
Highlighting the delays in aircraft production, he remarked, “HAL is our own company. Even I have worked there… But I find that HAL is just not in mission mode. I was promised that when I come here on February, 11 Tejas Mk1As would be ready. And not a single one is ready.”
He also questioned the classification of the aircraft currently being tested, stating, “The aircraft that you flew, calling it Mk1A. It is not Mk1A. It cannot happen just by change of one software or by looks. When the weapons come and the capability comes, then it’s a Mk1A… Mazaa nahi aa raha hai (I am not enjoying this).”
Emphasising the need for drastic changes, the Air Chief Marshal added, “I feel that only a few are putting in any effort. Or maybe everyone is putting in effort in their own silos without looking at the overall picture. Something has to change. Some drastic change. This needs a magic wand so everything gets aligned. It’s high time.”
He also addressed media perceptions, stating, “I find it ridiculous how when I say something, the media takes the negative part. I am trying to put across a point. I cannot point a finger, because three fingers are pointing back at me.”
While acknowledging that product development takes time, he noted, “New requirements also give manufacturers a leeway… You can always make your own rules… You need one thing, buy three or four, pick the best…”
Despite his concerns, the IAF Chief expressed willingness to reconsider his stance, concluding, “I would love to change my perception of HAL.”
UNI
