Propelling the “Make in India” concept, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stressed the need for India to develop and export big defence products to other countries. He said with quick clearance procedures in place and with the development of products required by many countries across the globe who cannot afford the top-notch equipment available, India should export big defence products. He was addressing a function at Hindustan Aeronautics limited in Bengaluru on Monday .
He said “....possibly in the earlier years the space occupied by the aeronautical requirement of the country was very small. lCA was being developed for thirty two years. Trainer aircraft was being developed for so many years, and I’m pleased to see the progress on the first stage trainer where I congratulate HAl that they are almost maintaining the schedules of commitment made to me,” Parrikar said.
“I’m saying almost because couple of weeks delay can be understood, but otherwise I think they are doing quite well on the schedule of the trainer aircraft which they are developing.”
Indian Air force has already told them that initial order of 72, but if they do it properly “may be our number will increase and we can export also,” he added.
Clearing apprehension that he has plans to shift the helicopter unit to Goa, Parrikar said helicopter unit is coming within sixty kilometer of Bengaluru. “We are waiting for the schedule of the Prime Minister to lay the foundation stone,” he said.
Stressing that there is higher scope, Parrikar said there is need to expand capability, take quick decision and be part of Make in India project.
Noting that India has done quite a bit in aeronautical engineering, he said “but I see that ultimately we have not been able to pass that barrier, a threshold barrier which requires you to be into the higher section of the aeronautical environment.”
He said “I hope in coming years with the experience of HAl as also involvement of private sector- HAl should not see private sector as an competitor in a sense trying to occupy same space, but it should be more of a competition; cooperation and competition both coming together.”
Parikkar was here to witness the inaugural run of the core of 25 kN indigenous Aero Engine (Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine - HTFE 25), and developed by HAl’s Engine Division in Bengaluru . He also launched the design and development project of Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE-1200) which can be used for helicopters.
Parrikar also mentioned the on-going HTT-40 trainer program of HAl and said the company is almost there with final activities going on in full swing at its hangars in Bengaluru.