Gurugram: Samtel HAL Display Systems Limited (SHDS), a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Samtel Avionics, has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility at Udyog Vihar, Phase IV, Gurugram, strengthening India’s efforts towards indigenisation in the defence avionics sector.
The facility was formally inaugurated by Ravi K., Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, on Tuesday. The new centre is expected to expand SHDS’ capabilities in advanced display systems and support the development of indigenous avionics solutions for the armed forces.
New Facility to Support Advanced Display Systems
The newly inaugurated facility will house capabilities for testing and quality assurance of advanced display systems.
It will also support various stages of the display systems lifecycle, including:
- Design and development
- Manufacturing
- Testing and quality assurance
- Product support
- Applications for airborne and ground systems
The facility is expected to strengthen SHDS’ ability to develop and manufacture defence-grade display technologies within India.
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SHDS Strengthens Indigenous Defence Avionics
SHDS has the distinction of being India’s first public-private joint venture in defence avionics to indigenously design, qualify and serially produce a multifunction display (MFD) for a fighter aircraft.
Speaking at the inauguration, HAL CMD Ravi K. described the facility as an important milestone in strengthening indigenous capabilities in defence avionics. He highlighted the combination of HAL’s expertise in military aviation and Samtel’s capabilities in display technologies.
Ravi K. also emphasised HAL’s continued focus on partnering with Indian industry to accelerate indigenisation, reduce import dependence and provide reliable avionics solutions to the armed forces.
Nearly Two Decades of HAL-Samtel Collaboration
Puneet Kaura, Director of SHDS and MD & CEO of Samtel Avionics, said the new facility represents the outcome of nearly two decades of collaboration between HAL and Samtel.
He highlighted the joint venture’s efforts to indigenise display technology that was previously dependent on imports.
SHDS’ multifunction display installed on the Su-30 MKI has demonstrated the ability of Indian industry to design and manufacture avionics displays meeting defence-grade requirements.
SHDS Targets ₹400-500 Crore Turnover
SHDS is expected to record its highest-ever annual turnover of around ₹200 crore this year, making it one of the best-performing joint ventures within the HAL group.
With a growing order book and new programmes expected to come on stream, the company expects its annual turnover to potentially increase to ₹400-500 crore over the next three to four years.
SHDS Expands Presence Across Defence Aviation Programmes
SHDS displays are already installed on the Su-30 MKI, while the joint venture has also been selected for HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) programme.
The company is positioned on the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) programme and is exploring opportunities under the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) programme. Discussions regarding the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme are yet to be finalised. SHDS is also exploring potential opportunities associated with HAL’s Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) programme.
SHDS Established in 2006
SHDS was established in 2006 and is part of the four-decade-old Samtel Group, an integrated display manufacturer in India.
The company holds an industrial licence from the Ministry of Defence and operates as a CEMILAC-approved design house and DGAQA-approved manufacturing facility.
SHDS follows ISO 9001:2008 and AS 9100C quality systems, supporting its operations in defence and aerospace display technologies.
About HAL and Samtel
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a leading Indian aerospace and defence public sector undertaking engaged in the design, development, manufacture, repair and overhaul of aircraft, helicopters, engines and avionics systems for the armed forces.
Samtel Avionics, part of the Samtel Group, specialises in display and avionics technologies. Its partnership with HAL through SHDS focuses on developing indigenous display systems for defence and aerospace applications.
