The journey towards indigenisation began with a contract with Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) for technology development of Su-30 MFDs (Multifunction Displays).
It was envisaged by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) to create a centre of excellence in the form of JV to nurture this home-grown technology. This technology was developed indigenously for the first time in India - under the aegis of Ministry of Defence (MoD), Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Indian Air Force (IAF).
These indigenous MFDs have been certified by CEMILAC (Center for Military Airworthiness & Certification) and DGAQA (Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance). The 'Type Approved' MFDs have been ruggedised to withstand harsh avionics environment while maintaining high level of optical and functional performance during the operation.
This successful indigenisation has reaped major benefits for the country; some of which include - Competitive price; significant reduction in turnaround time; reduction in field defects; reduction in lifecycle MRO cost; and continuous improvement as per IAF needs.
This achievement holds considerable significance for Indian Defence as it substantiates the investment made for self-reliance by having an important technology available locally, thus reducing the dependence on overseas based players.
It is important to note that the technology developed over an exigent five-year long development and qualification journey, is not product specific, and can be laterally deployed on any fixed or rotary platform.
The Samtel HAL JV has achieved the unique distinction of being the first public-private partnership in defence avionics space in India to have its cockpit display qualified and productionised for induction on a fighter aircraft.