Samtel HAL Display Systems Limited (SHDS), a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Samtel Avionics, has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility at Udyog Vihar, Phase IV, Gurugram, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence avionics capabilities. The facility was formally inaugurated by HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K. on August 25, 2026.
SHDS has the distinction of being India’s first public-private joint venture in the defence avionics sector to indigenously design, qualify and serially produce multifunction displays (MFDs) for fighter aircraft. The new Gurugram facility will provide testing and quality assurance capabilities for advanced display systems and support their design, development, manufacturing and product support for both airborne and ground applications.
The development highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. HAL brings decades of experience in military aviation, while Samtel contributes specialised expertise in display technologies. According to HAL CMD Ravi K., the facility represents an important milestone in strengthening indigenous avionics capabilities, reducing dependence on imported systems and developing reliable solutions for the Indian armed forces.
The partnership has been built over nearly two decades. Puneet Kaura, Director of SHDS and Managing Director and CEO of Samtel Avionics, said the joint venture has worked to indigenise technologies that were previously dependent on imports. Its indigenous multifunction display is already flying on the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft, demonstrating the ability of Indian industry to develop and manufacture defence-grade avionics systems.
SHDS is also expanding its presence across several Indian military aviation programmes. Its displays are already installed on the Su-30 MKI, while the company has been selected for HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter programme and is positioned for the Light Combat Helicopter programme. It is also exploring opportunities related to the Light Utility Helicopter, Light Combat Aircraft and Indian Multi-Role Helicopter programmes.
The company expects its annual turnover to reach around ₹200 crore this year, its highest-ever level, supported by a growing order book. SHDS has indicated that turnover could rise to approximately ₹400–500 crore over the next three to four years as additional defence programmes come on stream.
Established in 2006, SHDS operates with an industrial licence from the Ministry of Defence. It is also a CEMILAC-approved design house and a DGAQA-approved manufacturing facility and operates under recognised aerospace and quality-management standards.
The inauguration of the Gurugram facility comes as India continues to place greater emphasis on indigenous defence production and reducing reliance on imported critical technologies. The expansion of domestic capabilities in avionics displays is particularly important for fighter aircraft, helicopters and other military platforms, where reliable cockpit and mission-display systems are essential.
The new SHDS facility is therefore expected to play an important role in supporting India’s defence aviation ecosystem by bringing design, testing, manufacturing and product-support capabilities together under a stronger public-private partnership model.