HAL, Samtel open India’s first public-private defence avionics facility in Gurugram
Gurugram, August 27. HAL and Samtel have inaugurated India’s first public-private defence avionics facility in Gurugram, a landmark step in indigenising advanced avionics systems.
The joint venture, Samtel HAL Display Systems Limited (SHDS), is poised to double its turnover to ₹400–500 crore within the next few years, driven by new aircraft programs and expanding defence requirements.
The new manufacturing facility is located at Udyog Vihar, Phase IV, Gurugram. It was formally opened by HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K, who described the project as a milestone in strengthening indigenous capabilities in defence avionics.
He emphasised that the collaboration represents the merging of HAL’s expertise in military aviation with Samtel’s strength in display technologies, ensuring reliable solutions for India’s armed forces.Ministry of Defence
SHDS holds the distinction of being India’s first public-private joint venture in defence avionics to indigenously design, qualify, and serially produce a multifunction display (MFD) for fighter aircraft.
The MFD is already operational on the Su-30MKI, demonstrating that Indian industry can deliver defence-grade avionics systems that were once entirely import-dependent.
The facility will house advanced testing and quality assurance capabilities. It will also support design, development, manufacturing, and product support for display systems across airborne and ground applications. This infrastructure is expected to accelerate delivery timelines and reduce import reliance, aligning with India’s broader defence indigenisation goals.
Puneet Kaura, Director of SHDS and MD & CEO of Samtel Avionics, highlighted that the facility is the culmination of nearly two decades of collaboration with HAL. He noted that SHDS is set to post its highest-ever annual turnover of around ₹200 crore this year, making it one of the best-performing ventures within the HAL group.
With a growing order book, the company expects turnover to potentially double to ₹400–500 crore over the next three to four years as new programs are introduced.
SHDS displays are already integrated into the Su-30MKI and have been selected for HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program.Aviation Industry
The joint venture is also positioned on the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) program and is exploring opportunities with the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
Discussions are ongoing regarding the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, while the company is also eyeing potential involvement in HAL’s Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program.
Formed in 2006, SHDS is part of the four-decade-old Samtel Group, one of India’s largest integrated display manufacturers.
The company holds an industrial licence from the Ministry of Defence, is a CEMILAC-approved design house, and a DGAQA-approved manufacturing facility. It operates under ISO 9001:2008 and AS 9100C quality systems, ensuring compliance with stringent defence standards.
HAL has indicated plans to expand the role of SHDS across upcoming aircraft platforms, while also boosting local sourcing through partnerships with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This approach is expected to strengthen the wider ecosystem, foster innovation, and enhance India’s long-term defence preparedness.
The inauguration of this facility marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence avionics. It consolidates HAL’s and Samtel’s efforts to indigenise critical technologies, ensuring that India’s armed forces are equipped with cutting-edge avionics systems tailored to national requirements.
