HAL must develop cutting-edge technologies indigenously, says Venkaiah Naidu

All efforts should be made to develop cutting-edge technologies indigenously to strengthen India's defence against the background of the complex geopolitics.

Bengaluru: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Friday visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities and hailed the ongoing public-private partnership in various defence projects. Addressing senior HAL officials and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Naidu said all efforts should be made to develop cutting-edge technologies indigenously to strengthen India's defence against the background of the complex geopolitics.

Accompanied by Governor of Karnataka Thaawarchand Gehlot, Naidu visited Advanced Light Helicopter Hangars, Light Combat Helicopter and LCA Tejas division.

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"HAL has attributes of a global leader and I envisage the company to play a greater role in realizing India's dream of self-reliance in aerospace and defence in the future. I am proud of the role the company has played for the past 80 years ever since its inception," Naidu said.

"I am happy that India's homegrown fighter LCA Tejas will be produced in large numbers and the government has taken initiatives to galvanize the Indian defence industry," Naidu added.

The Vice President said, "I am assured of our nation's security and safety after seeing this impressive infrastructure in aerospace and defence."

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Hailing HAL's sterling contributions, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot said, "HAL is a unique aerospace company with a diverse range of products and is transforming itself as a lead integrator on most of the projects. There are a lot of expectations as the company steps into the future."

R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL in his welcome address said that the Company would further the cause of initiatives taken by the government.