/images/ppid_59c68470-image-176976253033975751.webp)
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-176967010817898213.webp)
What is the story about?
Ravi Kota, widely credited with steering the Tejas fighter jet into operational service, has been chosen as the next Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), according to media reports.
The appointment, if cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, will take effect in May 2026 after the incumbent CMD, D.K. Sunil, retires at the end of April.
Kota, known in defence circles as the “LCA man” for his central role in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) programme, is currently serving as Director (Operations at HAL). He was selected from a field of eight candidates by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), with six nominees coming from within HAL itself.
A mechanical engineer by training and an alumnus of both Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Institut d’Administration des Entreprises Toulouse, Kota has spent more than three decades in aerospace and defence manufacturing. Prior to his current role, he was General Manager of HAL’s Light Combat Aircraft division, where he helped transition the Tejas fighter from concept to service with the Indian Air Force.
Kota played a key part in finalising the landmark contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, valued at over ₹36,000 crore in 2021, and has been involved in efforts to secure additional orders for nearly 100 more jets designed to form the backbone of India’s fighter fleet.
He was also instrumental in building up manufacturing capabilities, including establishing facilities capable of producing 16 Tejas jets per year, and oversaw the first deliveries of the twin-seat trainer variant, which were significant milestones in indigenising fighter production.
Kota’s elevation to HAL’s top post comes amid criticism over delays in Tejas deliveries, including setbacks linked to engine supplies and integration of key subsystems, and as the company prepares to modernise its overall operations.
Defence ministry officials have said a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) review of HAL’s production and organisational strategy will be submitted in March, potentially shaping reforms around scaling up output and improving delivery timelines.
As CMD, Kota will lead HAL, India’s premier aerospace and defence manufacturing public sector unit, at a time when the government is pushing for greater self-reliance in defence production and ramping up indigenous platforms ranging from fighter aircraft to helicopters and unmanned systems.
Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd were trading 4,586.90 as of 1.32pm.
The appointment, if cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, will take effect in May 2026 after the incumbent CMD, D.K. Sunil, retires at the end of April.
Kota, known in defence circles as the “LCA man” for his central role in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) programme, is currently serving as Director (Operations at HAL). He was selected from a field of eight candidates by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB), with six nominees coming from within HAL itself.
A mechanical engineer by training and an alumnus of both Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Institut d’Administration des Entreprises Toulouse, Kota has spent more than three decades in aerospace and defence manufacturing. Prior to his current role, he was General Manager of HAL’s Light Combat Aircraft division, where he helped transition the Tejas fighter from concept to service with the Indian Air Force.
Kota played a key part in finalising the landmark contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, valued at over ₹36,000 crore in 2021, and has been involved in efforts to secure additional orders for nearly 100 more jets designed to form the backbone of India’s fighter fleet.
He was also instrumental in building up manufacturing capabilities, including establishing facilities capable of producing 16 Tejas jets per year, and oversaw the first deliveries of the twin-seat trainer variant, which were significant milestones in indigenising fighter production.
Kota’s elevation to HAL’s top post comes amid criticism over delays in Tejas deliveries, including setbacks linked to engine supplies and integration of key subsystems, and as the company prepares to modernise its overall operations.
Defence ministry officials have said a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) review of HAL’s production and organisational strategy will be submitted in March, potentially shaping reforms around scaling up output and improving delivery timelines.
As CMD, Kota will lead HAL, India’s premier aerospace and defence manufacturing public sector unit, at a time when the government is pushing for greater self-reliance in defence production and ramping up indigenous platforms ranging from fighter aircraft to helicopters and unmanned systems.
Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd were trading 4,586.90 as of 1.32pm.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176960002668942096.webp)
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-176960014154789804.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176959722583865162.webp)
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-17696925400147653.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176967182936259922.webp)
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-176962004507673671.webp)
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176965623491221275.webp)
