Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies manufactures centre uselage for Tejas Mk1A

Hyderabad-based defence manufacturing company, which built the first centre fuselage assembly for Tejas Mk1A, also got the clearance for the second assembly jig as a production partner for HAL

Hyderabad: In a major boost to India’s fighter aircraft manufacturing abilities, the centre fuselage for the Tejas Mk1A, India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has been successfully manufactured in Hyderabad, marking a significant achievement for the city’s aerospace and defence sector.

The VEM Technologies Private Limited, Hyderabad-based defence manufacturing company, which built the first centre fuselage assembly (CF) for Tejas Mk1A, also got the clearance for the second assembly jig as a production partner for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The CF, which already got Ministry of Defence approval, will be handed over to the HAL during an event scheduled for May 30 in Hyderabad.

Ministry of Defence Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr DK Sunil, and HAL Director Operations K Ravi will take part in the event.

The Tejas Mk1A CF is made up of semi-monocoque construction with both metallic and carbone former composite material.

This Hyderabad-based defence company has manufactured a total of 1,595 components, which were inspected by the HAL quality agencies at every stage of manufacturing before getting assembled into final CF. The final integration will happen at HAL, Bengaluru.

“We have completed the final integration of CF and got the clearance from HAL-Quality agency and CEMILAC Agency, Government of India,” the company said.

The HAL is planning to roll out Tejas LCA Mk1A from its Nashik production line in the month of June. As per reports, the Tejas Mk1A includes significant improvements in combat avionics and air-to-air refueling capabilities.

The VEM recently contributed to the manufacturing of end-to-end modules made of composites and mechanicals of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft also called the AMCA, which is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It also manufactures generators to the fighter aircrafts besides developing the range of on-board systems for defence helicopters and fighter aircrafts.