HAL's joint ventures on death bed as defence orders dry up over the years

A deep dive into the company's 14 JVs shows that many are on the verge of closing down

In 2014-15, the very first year of the Modi government, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) apparently sensed that its virtual monopoly in supplying aircraft and other services to India’s defence forces was on the verge of dilution.

In its annual report that year, HAL had noted, “It is anticipated that (with) the emphasis on indigenous production of defence equipment, the government would (sic) provide various incentives and opportunities for private industries to participate in a big way in Indian defence industry. This was observed through the decision that 56 transport aircraft to replace the Avro will be built in India by