When will HAL start exporting LCA Tejas to foreign countries? Chairman Ravi K clarifies

A few days ago, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K., while speaking to a YouTube channel, said the defence PSU is expanding its manufacturing capacity for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme and has increased the annual production capacity of the fighter jets to 24 aircraft through multiple production lines.

Now, the HAL chairman has reiterated that HAL is meeting the requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is facing a fighter jet squadron shortage, before planning an international campaign to make the LCA Tejas an export product.

Speaking to The Tribune, he said the immediate challenge for HAL is meeting its delivery deadlines to the IAF and not winning export orders.

"My immediate requirement is to liquidate all these orders before I go to the foreign customer and say, 'Please take mine'," he was quoted as saying.

He said that he wanted to establish the capacity, build the ecosystem and work with all the company's partners so that HAL could deliver the fighter jets on time. Ravi added that he would then approach the international market and say that HAL's customers were very happy, and urge them to prcure the aircraft.

"I want to establish the capacity, build the ecosystem and work with all my partners so that I can deliver on time. Then I will come to the international market and say, 'See, my customers are very happy. Please take my aircraft," he was quoted as saying.

The HAL chairman's focus on strengthening the company's domestic production capabilities comes as HAL looks to expand its footprint in the global aerospace market.

While exports remain a key objective, he said HAL's immediate focus is on meeting domestic delivery commitments, making it clear that international sales would come only after fulfilling India's procurement requirements.