Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a strategic agreement with Collins Aerospace, to establish a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at HAL's Accessories Complex in Lucknow. 

The facility will enhance the operational readiness of India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 by ensuring efficient repair and overhaul of its electrical power generation systems. As per the agreement, HAL will service Collins aerospace integrated drive generators (IDGs) and generator control units (GCUs) which power select Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets.

“The new MRO facility builds on our long-standing partnership with HAL and underscores our commitment to the long-term sustainment of India’s warfighter fleet,” said Ryan Hudson, vice president of Aftermarket, Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace.

This initiative is expected to significantly reduce turnaround time (TAT) for repairs, bolster self-reliance in defence maintenance, and improve overall fleet availability.

“This facility will not only enhance self-reliance but also enable HAL to provide better customer support for the LCA fleet. Additionally, it has the technical capability to support future requirements for new platforms," said Dr D.K. Sunil, Chairman & MD, HAL.

The agreement comes at a critical juncture as HAL gears up to accelerate deliveries of the LCA Tejas Mk1A to the IAF after Air Marshal raised concerns of the company being unable to deliver the jets on time, which affected the HAL's stock market sentiments on Wednesday. Meanwhile HAL has assured that anticipated deliveries of Tejas will start soon.