HAL Files Criminal Complaint Against Hyderabad Supplier for Forged Test Reports in Tejas Mk1A Program
Bengaluru: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has filed a criminal complaint against a Hyderabad-based supplier of aerospace components, accusing it of cheating and forgery. The supplier allegedly submitted 199 falsified test reports for 172 components intended for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A program.
The complaint was officially registered on June 2, 2026, at the HAL Police Station in Bengaluru under Sections 420, 465, and 468 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertain to cheating and forgery. The accused in the FIR is M. Sivarama Prasad, CEO of M/s Tec Aero Devices, also known as TAD Aerospace, located in Shaktipuri, Hyderabad.
The case was initiated by Ranu Gupta, Deputy General Manager of HAL’s Aircraft Division, following an internal verification that allegedly uncovered the supplier's use of non-genuine test certificates.
According to the complaint, HAL had issued 18 purchase orders to Tec Aero Devices between March 28, 2022, and September 2023 for components required for the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft program. Initially approved upon submission of samples and documents, the supplier was tasked with 35 categories of components, totaling 172 items.
In the aerospace industry, suppliers are mandated to provide original material test certificates, inspection reports, and supporting documents for components to be accepted. These documents are essential to confirm the components' adherence to necessary standards concerning strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and structural safety.
HAL claims that Tec Aero Devices submitted 199 fabricated reports covering parameters like tensile strength, hardness, break load, shear strength, non-destructive testing, microstructure analysis, and salt spray testing. These tests are vital for ensuring components can endure the operational demands of military aircraft.
The alleged discrepancies surfaced during regular quality control checks at HAL. When HAL's Quality Control Department requested original test reports for verification, the supplier reportedly failed to provide them. On November 22, 2023, Tec Aero Devices claimed that two reports originated from Axis Inspection Solutions, a Hyderabad-based testing firm.
HAL subsequently audited Axis Inspection Solutions on November 29, 2023. During the audit, the firm allegedly confirmed in writing that it did not issue any of the 199 test reports and that its name and signatures were misused.
This led HAL to conclude, via an internal review, that all 199 test reports provided by Tec Aero Devices between February and September 2023 were forged. HAL then processed the issue through its administrative and legal channels.
Following the detection of the alleged forgery, HAL issued a show-cause notice to the supplier. After considering and rejecting the supplier's response, HAL removed Tec Aero Devices from its list of approved suppliers and barred the company from business dealings for three years, until March 10, 2027.
HAL confirmed that no payments were made to Tec Aero Devices for the disputed supplies. After conducting an internal inquiry, audit verification, and legal consultations, HAL proceeded with criminal charges through the police.
The police have now initiated an investigation, which will involve examining purchase orders, test certificates, audit results, and correspondence between HAL and the supplier. The investigation will also seek to determine if other parties were involved in the document fabrication.
M. Sivarama Prasad, CEO of Tec Aero Devices, acknowledged the debarment in March 2024 over allegations of fake laboratory certificates and attributed the issue to an employee lapse. He mentioned that the company has since improved its quality systems and is open to HAL inspecting its facilities.
This case holds significance as the Tejas Mk1A is a key indigenous fighter aircraft program in India, developed by HAL alongside various Indian agencies and private entities. The Tejas Mk1A, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, aims to bolster the Indian Air Force's capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign aircraft.
The aircraft represents an upgrade from the Tejas Mk1, with advancements in avionics, radar, electronic warfare systems, maintainability, and operational capability. It is a substantial element of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defense.
Quality control in aircraft manufacturing is critical, as even minor deviations in material standards or documentation can compromise safety, reliability, and performance. Material test reports are crucial components of the certification and traceability process in aerospace supply chains.
HAL’s detection of alleged forged documents through quality checks and audits prevented unverified components from proceeding unchecked. This incident underscores the need for stringent vendor monitoring, document verification, and audit systems in defense manufacturing.
The situation also highlights the complexities of managing a large, intricate supply chain for advanced defense platforms. Ensuring compliance with quality standards is crucial as India increases private sector involvement in aerospace and defense production.
Currently, there is no indication that any aircraft in production or service has been affected. The investigation will determine whether any disputed components were incorporated into HAL’s assembly or production processes.
The incident coincides with HAL’s efforts to increase Tejas Mk1A production and delivery for the Indian Air Force, a critical component of the IAF’s modernization strategy as older aircraft are phased out.
Further actions will depend on the findings of the police investigation, with HAL expected to provide necessary records and documents as the probe continues.
