Since 2005, when Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Nashik, delivered the first “Made in India” Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, it has been HAL’s most lucrative cash cow.
Referred to as the “MiG Complex” since it was established in 1964 for licence manufacture of MiG-21FL aircraft, the Nashik division has traditionally generated 30-33 per cent per cent of HAL’s annual turnover. Last year, it generated Rs 7,000 crore out of HAL’s total turnover of Rs 22,700 crore.
This year, however, HAL’s leadership in Bengaluru is staring at the drying of its steadiest and largest income stream — the licensed manufacture in Nashik division of 222 Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, the delivery of which was completed last year.
