Bengaluru: PK Mishra, principal secretary to the prime minister, visited defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities in Bengaluru on Tuesday and reviewed progress on several key indigenous defence and space programmes. “The visit was led by HAL CMD DK Sunil, with other board members present. Mishra began the visit at the Aircraft Research & Design Centre (ARDC), where he toured the LCA Mk 2 hangar,” HAL said late on Tuesday.Mishra then proceeded to the LCA Tejas assembly hangar and the aerospace division, where he was briefed on the ongoing production of the LCA Tejas Mk 1A. HAL displayed six LCA Mk 1A fighters and two LCA Mk 1 trainers during the visit.“HAL presented a range of indigenous platforms to the visiting official, including the Prachand light combat helicopter, Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Dhruv advanced light helicopter, and the HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft. The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to lead collaborative, multi-stakeholder programmes in the future,” the PSU said.

PK Mishra at HAL, Bengaluru
At the aerospace division, Mishra was received by Isro chairman V Narayanan. He toured the LVM-3 and PSLV assembly lines, the cryogenic engine manufacturing facility, and reviewed HAL’s contributions to the Gaganyaan mission.

PK Mishra at HAL, Bengaluru
“He was also briefed on HAL’s recent selection for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology transfer programme. Mishra commended HAL’s role in advancing India’s self-reliance in defence and aerospace,” HAL added.