The history and growth of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is synonymous with the growth of Aeronautical industry in India for more than 79 years.

The Company which had its origin as Hindustan Aircraft Limited was incorporated on 23 Dec 1940 at Bangalore by Shri Walchand Hirachand, a farsighted visionary, in association with the then Government of Mysore, with the aim of manufacturing aircraft in India. In March 1941, the Government of India became one of the shareholders in the Company and subsequently took over its management in 1942. In collaboration with the Inter Continental Aircraft Company of USA, the Company commenced its business of manufacturing of Harlow Trainer, Curtiss Hawk Fighter and Vultee Bomber Aircraft.

In January 1951, Hindustan Aircraft Limited was placed under the administrative control of Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Amalgamation of the two companies i.e. Hindustan Aircraft Limited and Aeronautics India Limited was brought about on 1st Oct 1964 by an Amalgamation Order issued by the Government of India and the Company after the amalgamation was named as “Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)” with its principal business being design, development, manufacture, repair and overhaul of aircraft, helicopters, engines and related systems like avionics, instruments and accessories.

HAL Today :

The manufacturing programs underway at HAL are production of SU-30 MKI, LCA & DO-228 aircraft and ALH-Dhruv, Chetak, Cheetal & LCH Helicopters. The Repair Overhaul (ROH) programs being carried out presently are Jaguar (with upgrade), Mirage (with upgrade), Kiran, HS-748, AN-32, MiG 21, Su-30 MKI, Hawk, Dornier Do-228, ALH, Cheetal, Cheetah and Chetak.

The Company takes up maintenance and overhaul services to cover the life cycle requirement of all the old and new products. Presently, 13 types of Aircraft/ Helicopters and Engines are being overhauled. In addition, facilities exist for repair/ overhaul of various Accessories and Avionics fitted on Aircraft of Russian, Western and Indigenous designs.

In line with HAL’s mission to become a global player, Exports have been identified as one of the thrust areas. HAL has supplied Dhruv, Lancer, Chetak & Cheetah helicopters and Do-228 aircraft to international customers and is also providing product support for the above platforms. The company has established its credibility through supply of high precision structural & composite work packages, assemblies, avionics etc to Global Aviation majors like Airbus, Boeing, Rolls Royce, IAI, Rosoboronexport etc.

The major on-going indigenous development programs are the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MK 1A, Light Combat Helicopter(LCH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Basic Turboprop Trainer HTT 40 & Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH). Design and Development of HTFE-25 and HTSE-1200 engines have also been taken up.

Current upgrade programs include Jaguar DARIN-III upgrade, Mirage upgrade and Hawk i. In addition to the platforms, various Technology development projects have also been launched to increase self-reliance in critical areas like the Aircraft Display systems, Mission Computers, Automatic Flight Controls for Helicopters and Aircraft Accessories & Avionics.