HAL lands a fortune as Rafale arrives

BANGALORE: New divisions to boot, newer technologies to date and new planes to fly. The $10-billion MMRCA order bagged by Dassault Rafale has given Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) a lot to cheer. HAL's officiating chairman P V Deshmukh told Express on Wednesday that the announcement has given new hopes for the 33,000-plus strong workforce.HAL now hopes to clinch a business volume of about Rs 20,000-25,000 crore from rolling out Rafales in the next 10 years. “These are rough estimates and a clear picture will only come when we see the fine-print, including ToT details. We will have to see the specific role that will be assigned to us,” Deshmukh said. HAL will roll out 108 aircraft under licence out of the 126, and 18 planes will be directly supplied by Dassault Aviation.In the first quarter of 2016, HAL hopes to begin deliveries to the Indian Air Force (IAF), but going by its track record, this date might undergo “changes”. Making of Rafale in HAL means work in the form of semi/fully knocked-down kits and to the full raw material phase. Deshmukh said the manpower would be put through additional training to take on the tech challenges.“We will set up a separate division with a blend of fresh and experienced engineers. Two locations have been shortlisted within the HAL estate at Bangalore for setting up the airframe and engine divisions. Conceptual design of plant layout for the aircraft and engine production units are under progress. The accessory production will go to divisions at Hyderabad, Lucknow and Korwa,” HAL said via a written response to Express queries. HAL has already signed an MoU with Dassault Aviation and Snecma, as a preparatory step. HAL's director (HR) Chamola said that it would be too early to give the number of new recruits for the projects.