Bengaluru: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has filed a criminal complaint against a Hyderabad-based aerospace components supplier, alleging cheating and forgery after the supplier reportedly submitted 199 fabricated test reports for 172 components intended for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A program.
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered on June 2, 2026, at HAL Police Station in Bengaluru under Sections 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), and 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. The complaint identifies M. Sivarama Prasad, Chief Executive Officer of Tec Aero Devices, also known as TAD Aerospace, as the accused.
The allegation stems from a complaint lodged by Ranu Gupta, Deputy General Manager of HAL’s Aircraft Division. An internal verification revealed that the test certificates submitted by Tec Aero Devices were not authentic.
HAL issued 18 purchase orders to Tec Aero Devices from March 28, 2022, to September 2023, for various components necessary for the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft program. After submitting samples and initial documents for 35 categories of components, comprising 172 items in total, the supplier received approval.
In the aerospace manufacturing sector, suppliers are mandated to submit original material test certificates and inspection reports before components can be accepted for use. These documents are vital as they confirm that the materials meet required standards for strength, durability, and safety.
HAL’s complaint claims that Tec Aero Devices submitted 199 fabricated test reports for the 172 components, which covered critical parameters such as tensile strength, hardness, and non-destructive testing. These tests are essential in assessing whether components can endure the stringent conditions faced by military aircraft.
The alleged discrepancies were uncovered during routine quality control checks. When HAL’s Quality Control Department requested original test reports for verification, the supplier could not provide them. On November 22, 2023, Tec Aero Devices submitted a letter asserting that two of the reports had been issued by Axis Inspection Solutions, a testing firm based in Hyderabad.
HAL then conducted an audit at Axis Inspection Solutions’ facilities on November 29, 2023. During this audit, the testing firm confirmed in writing that none of the 199 reports had been issued by them, indicating misuse of their name and signatures in the forged documents.
Subsequent investigations by HAL determined that all 199 test reports submitted by Tec Aero Devices between February and September 2023 were forged. Following this discovery, HAL issued a show-cause notice to the supplier. However, the response was deemed inadequate and ultimately rejected, leading to Tec Aero Devices’ removal from HAL’s list of approved suppliers and debarment from business dealings for three years, until March 10, 2027.
HAL has emphasized that no payments were made to Tec Aero Devices related to the disputed supplies. After internal inquiries, audits, and legal consultations, HAL escalated the matter to law enforcement, leading to the current ongoing police investigation.
The police are expected to scrutinize purchase orders, submitted test certificates, audit findings, and correspondence between HAL and the supplier as part of their investigation. They will also explore whether other individuals or entities were involved in the document fabrication.
Responding to inquiries, M. Sivarama Prasad, CEO of Tec Aero Devices, stated he was unaware of the police complaint. He acknowledged the company’s debarment in March 2024 due to allegations of fake laboratory certificates and attributed the issue to a lapse by an employee. Prasad also mentioned that Tec Aero Devices had made several representations to HAL, seeking the revocation of the debarment, and expressed the company’s readiness for HAL to inspect its facility.
The significance of this case is amplified by its relation to the Tejas Mk1A program, which stands as one of India’s key indigenous fighter aircraft initiatives. Developed by HAL with input from various Indian agencies and private suppliers, the Tejas Mk1A aims to bolster the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign aircraft.
The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the Tejas Mk1, featuring advancements in avionics, radar, and operational capacity. This program is a crucial aspect of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defense sector.
In aerospace manufacturing, stringent quality control is imperative. Any deviations in material standards or documentation can pose serious risks to structural integrity and reliability. Material test reports serve as critical components of the certification and traceability process in the aerospace supply chain.
HAL’s identification of the alleged forged documents through quality control measures and third-party auditing underscores the importance of effective vendor monitoring and document authentication in defense manufacturing. This incident also highlights the challenges associated with managing a complex supply chain in the advanced defense sector.
Currently, there is no indication that any aircraft already in production or service has been affected. The investigation will clarify whether any of the disputed components were integrated into HAL’s assembly or production processes.
As HAL continues to ramp up production and delivery of the Tejas Mk1A for the Indian Air Force, the ongoing investigation will determine the next steps based on its findings. HAL is expected to cooperate fully by providing all relevant records and documentation to the authorities as the inquiry progresses.
