Bangalore – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Navratna defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence, has appointed Shri Ajay Kumar Shrivastava (DIN: 10652075) as Director (Engineering and R&D), effective 15 July 2025, pending shareholder approval. This appointment follows formal clearance from the Ministry of Defence and marks a strategic addition to HAL’s top leadership.
Decades of Technical Leadership at HAL
Mr Shrivastava joined HAL in July 1988 as a Management Trainee (Technical) and has since built a 37-year career in aviation systems design, development, and certification. He holds a B.Tech in Electronics Engineering from HBTI Kanpur, an M.S. in Aviation Safety & Aircraft Airworthiness from ENAC/ENSICA, Toulouse, France, and is a certified Project Management Professional.
Proven Record in Defence Avionics and Upgrades
Mr Shrivastava has played a pivotal role in developing avionics for fighter, transport, and rotary-wing aircraft. His expertise spans navigation, communication systems, weather radars, transponders, collision avoidance systems, and other advanced onboard technologies. He led major modernization programs including upgrades of the HS‑748 fleet, Do‑228 aircraft for Coast Guard, IAF and Navy, Sea‑King helicopters, and IL‑78 tankers.
Leadership in Certification & Indigenisation
As Head of the Transport Aircraft R&D Centre (TARDC) in Kanpur, Mr Shrivastava secured DGCA certification for two HAL Do‑228 civil aircraft. He led multiple critical indigenisation initiatives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework. Later, as Head of the Aircraft R&D Centre (ARDC), he obtained RMTC‑RSD certification for the HTT‑40 trainer aircraft and oversaw the successful avionics upgrade of HJT‑36, showcased at Aero India 2025.
New Role: Steering HAL’s R&D Future
In his new role, Mr Shrivastava will oversee engineering and R&D strategy across HAL. He is expected to drive innovation in emerging domains such as AI, quantum communication, autonomous systems, and space technologies. His leadership aims to deepen HAL’s collaborations with DRDO, ISRO, MSMEs, private players, and global defence entities—enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Corporate Compliance & Interim Structure
Mr Shrivastava’s appointment is valid until his superannuation on 30 November 2026 or until further notice. He has no inter-se relationship with other directors and no disqualification under the Companies Act. With his appointment, HAL CMD Dr. D. K. Sunil relinquishes the additional charge of Director (Engineering & R&D), which he had held until now.
About HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is an Indian public sector aerospace and defense company, headquartered in Bengaluru. It is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defense manufacturers in the world, with a history dating back to 1940. HAL is involved in the design, development, manufacturing, and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, engines, and other aerospace systems.
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