Q. No. 2516 Increase on R and D at HAL

Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government is considering to increase the expenditure on research and development at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) by 15 per cent which is double than the present spending on R&D;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that HAL is now ready to undertake more crucial aircraft projects; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a)&(b):In the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) being finalized with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), it has been proposed to spend 15 per cent of Profit After Tax (PAT) on Research and Development (R&D) in the year 2013-14.

(c)&(d):Yes, Sir. The major development projects currently under progress are:

- Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA).

- Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA).
- Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
- Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT).
- Basic Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40).
- Advanced Light Helicopter Weapon System Integration (ALH-WSI).
- Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
- Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).