Aero India 2021: HAL braves the winds of COVID
Indian aircraft manufacturer highlights progress on Tejas LCA, loyal wingman UAV and precision-guided munitions.
The ‘Make in India’ policy and a move towards industrial self-reliance in defence was the mantra as Aero India 2021 began on 3 February in the middle of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
India has attempted to turn the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity, by tapping into the potential of its SME base while also keeping the wheels of major firms such as Tata, Mahindra, and Larsen and Toubro fully oiled.
Government-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has taken a lead, by forging a relationship with the private sector as an ally not a competitor.
For example, HAL recently allowed private firms
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026]()
USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026
The T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the US Air Force reaching Milestone C is the first step towards production for the first batch of 14 aircraft, with training expected to start by 2028.
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
