The Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha addressed senior officers of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at the inauguration of the Seminar & Exhibition on ‘Challenges in Make in India Initiatives’ at HAL Nasik Division.

The Air Chief said that indigenisation holds the key to success in attaining self-reliance in defence production and gaining strategic independence. The Air Chief expressed his appreciation on the successful conduct of the event being organised by HAL. He said that quality control and certification of indigenous products should be the focus area to produce world-class high quality equipment.

He further commended the role of HAL and its rich legacy. He said that its history and growth over the last 50 years was synonymous with the growth of the aeronautical industry in India. The MiG Complex has undertaken licensed production and overhaul of various Russian origin aircraft.

The Air Chief further said that the status of the IAF aircraft inventory was mainly dependent upon HAL and he hoped that HAL would ensure timely inductions, quality product support and speedy overhaul of aircraft.

The Air Chief complimented HAL for its significant contribution towards ‘Make in India’ initiative and boosting self-reliance through indigenisation. He emphasised that setting up of state-of-the-art test facilities for future programmes should be a key focus area so as to transform HAL into a major manufacturing and research and development centre of excellence in the field of aviation.