Ravi Kumar assumed charge as the 22nd Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday, succeeding Dr. D.K. Sunil, who retired on April 30, 2026.
HAL appointed Ravi Kumar as its new Chairman and Managing Director, marking a leadership transition at the aerospace and defence company. Kumar took over from Dr. Sunil following his retirement at the end of April.
Ravi Kumar has over 30 years of experience across research and development, manufacturing, and aerospace electronics. Prior to this appointment, he served as Director (Operations) at HAL and played a role in the company attaining ‘Maharatna’ status. During his tenure, HAL recorded multiple strategic and technological developments that strengthened its global presence.
Kumar is associated with contributions to India’s indigenous fighter aircraft programme, HAL Tejas (LCA Tejas), and the Light Combat Helicopter programme, HAL Prachand (LCH Prachand). He led the execution of contracts involving the delivery of 180 Tejas aircraft to the Indian Air Force and 156 Prachand helicopters to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
Under his leadership, serviceability of the Tejas fleet was improved and coordination with the Indian Air Force was enhanced. Operational efficiency was increased through modernisation of data communication systems and the implementation of a single point of contact system for customer support.
After assuming office, Kumar stated that his objective is to position HAL as an innovation-driven, AI-enabled, and globally competitive aerospace company. He said the focus would be on operational excellence, digital transformation, and employee-led innovation.
Kumar holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Malnad College of Engineering, Karnataka. He is also an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and ISAE-SUPAERO, Toulouse, France.
He has contributed to increasing indigenous production within HAL, including efforts to enhance localisation in the Tejas programme and expand production capacity in Nashik. He also implemented a strategy of outsourcing major aircraft assembly to private sector partners to improve production efficiency and delivery timelines.
Under his initiatives, HAL has expanded into civil aviation manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, creating additional revenue streams and strengthening its market presence.
