Leading aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will supply 350 combat jets, trainers and helicopters to the Indian armed forces by 2012. This statement was made by the chairman of HAL, Ashok Baweja on Thursday (February 19). According to media reports, the orders for 350 aircraft and helicopters cost Rs 500 billion. While addressing the press conference, Baweja informed that HAL is also likely to get another order of almost the same number of aircraft and helicopters which is to be delivered for the 2012-2017 period.

 

The aerospace major is currently involved in developing some 100 indigenous Dhruv advanced light helicopters and Sukhoi Su-30 MKI combat jets in its plants at Bangalore, Nashik and Koraput. In addition to these, HAL is also manufacturing about 60 Hawk advanced jet trainers under license from Britain and some 20 indigenous Tejas light combat jets. The upgradation of the Jaguar combat jet is also being handled by HAL. The company is also likely to develop the MiG-29 fighter and Mirage-2000 fighter-bomber.

 

Talking to the media, Ashok Baweja informed that from now onwards HAL is expecting to double its sales after every three years. He added that the company will be focusing more on the development of indigenous products as far aerospace is concerned.  The state-owned company is likely to invest Rs.25,000 crore for the design and development projects. Baweja claimed that expansion plan will generate additional employment opportunities for 12,000 people.