Big disclosure on LCA Mk-1A fighter jet part supply
A case of alleged submission of fake test report by a supplier in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A fighter jet program being built for the Indian Air Force has come to light. According to a Moneycontrol news, taking cognizance of this serious negligence, HAL has lodged an FIR with the police against Hyderabad-based company TEC Aero Devices.
How did this whole game happen with fighter jet parts?
The case started in March 2022. At that time, HAL’s Aircraft Division had given 18 purchase orders to Tech Aero Devices for the supply of spare parts related to the LCA Mk-1A project. As per the rules, initially the company’s samples, technical documents and test records were rigorously examined. After this review, the supplier was given approval to manufacture a total of 172 types of items under 35 different categories. Everything was going on as per the prescribed procedure, but the real trouble started when the time came for delivery of goods in bulk.
199 fake reports submitted in the name of quality check
Under strict defense procurement rules, suppliers are required to submit original test certificates while making bulk deliveries. According to the report, Tech Aero Devices submitted 199 test reports to HAL to prove the quality parameters. These reports included results of tests such as tensile strength, hardness, break load, non-destructive testing (NDT), microstructure analysis and salt spray testing of the parts. It is alleged that all these reports on these important parameters that determine the safety of the aircraft were fake.
No payment made to supplier
After the results of the investigation came out, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has taken very strict action against this supplier. HAL had earlier issued a ‘show-cause notice’ to the company. Subsequently, the response from the supplier was thoroughly reviewed and after internal discussion, Tech Aero Devices was removed from its approved vendor list for three years.
After this decision, now this company will not be able to do any new business with this defense manufacturer till March 10, 2027. The biggest thing is that amidst this whole mess, HAL showed promptness and did not make any payment to the supplier for the supply of the disputed parts, thereby avoiding loss of government money.
