As the controversial Rafale deal has hit the Defence PSU Hindustan aeronautics Limited (HAL), the United Arab Minister of Defence visited them in Bengaluru on Wednesday and evinced keen interest in India’s indegenouse fighter jet Tejas. According a statement by HAL
Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi Al Falacy, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, United Arab Emirates visited HAL facilities in Bengaluru . He was received by R Madhavan, CMD-HAL and other senior HAL officials.
The visiting dignitary was briefed on the ongoing projects in HAL and taken around the Helicopter Complex, LCA Tejas Division and Hawk Final Assembly hangar.
“I am happy to be here and proud to see the sophisticated level of manufacturing that in place”, remarked the Minister. He evinced keen interest in LCA Tejas.
The UAE Minister had a meeting with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi and envisaged interest in Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft.
HAL has been sandwiched between the poltical slugfest between ruling BJP and the opposition congress over the Rafale deal.
Last week Congress President Rahul Gandhi had interacted with some working and retired employees of the state-run aerospace and defence company in the context of the defence behemoth not getting offset contract from the Rafale fighter deal. He applauded the employees for their work and said he wanted to work with them in making HAL more effective.