GURUGRAM. State-run aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private sector specialist Samtel Avionics have jointly inaugurated India’s first public-private defence avionics manufacturing facility. The site, situated in Udyog Vihar Phase IV, Gurugram, marks a milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance across critical military technologies.
The modern plant was formally opened by HAL Chairman and Managing Director, Ravi K, alongside Puneet Kaura, Director of Samtel HAL Display Systems (SHDS) and Managing Director of Samtel Avionics. Housing advanced testing, design, manufacturing and quality assurance infrastructure, the unit will produce high-performance display systems for both airborne platforms and ground-based defence applications.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ravi K described the facility as a pivotal step in consolidating local capabilities. “This initiative brings together HAL’s deep expertise in military aviation and Samtel’s technical prowess in display systems,” he noted. He reaffirmed HAL’s strategy to deepen collaborations with private firms and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to reduce costly reliance on foreign imports.
Formed nearly two decades ago in 2006, the SHDS joint venture holds the unique distinction of being the first public-private partnership in India’s defence sector to indigenously design, qualify and mass-produce multi-function displays (MFDs) for fighter jets. More than 1,000 SHDS multi-function displays are already deployed in active service aboard the Indian Air Force’s flagship Su-30 MKI fleet, providing pilots with crucial flight, navigation and targeting data.
The launch coincides with a period of rapid financial growth for the venture. SHDS is projected to record its highest-ever annual turnover of roughly ₹200 crore this financial year. Driven by an expanding order book and new aircraft integration programmes, company leadership expects revenue to potentially double to between ₹400–500 crore over the next three to four years.
Beyond the Su-30 MKI, SHDS has secured orders for HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) programmes. The firm is actively pursuing integration opportunities on the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the upcoming Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).
Puneet Kaura highlighted that the facility represents almost 20 years of arduous engineering to localise technologies that were once exclusively imported. With CEMILAC design approval and DGAQA manufacturing accreditation, the facility underscores India’s ability to meet stringent military standards while shielding the armed forces from foreign supply chain disruptions.
