Ravi Kota to lead HAL amid Tejas delays

Ravi Kota, known as the 'LCA man', has been chosen to lead Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) starting in May 2024.

He is currently the Director of Operations at HAL and has a strong background in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program.

Kota's appointment comes at a time when HAL is facing delays in delivering the Tejas MK1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The IAF has stated that it will only accept the aircraft when all promised features are fully met.

Kota is expected to speed up the delivery process and increase production.

Before he takes over, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) will submit a report on how HAL can become a modern aircraft manufacturing company.

Kota has previously led the team that secured a contract for supplying 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft and has been instrumental in enhancing the local content in the LCA-Tejas program.