HAL celebrated 86 years of innovation and excellence at its 86th Foundation Day in the distinguished presence of His Highness Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Member of Parliament & Custodian of the Royal House of Mysore, members of the Board led by Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL, Chief Executive Officers, Executive Directors, Former CMDs and employees of the company at the New HMA Campus in Bengaluru. The event showcased HAL’s legacy and pioneering role in shaping the Indian aeronautical and defence industry, while highlighting its global aspirations to become a leading player in aerospace and defence. His Highness Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar unveiled the bust of His Highness Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar at the New HMA Campus. Thanking HAL for this honour, he outlined the rich legacy of the state of Mysore and the contributions of the then Maharaja, who, at the young age of 21, laid the foundation for the birth of HAL in India. Congratulating HAL for its advancements, he said, “HAL remains the new forefront in aerospace and defence. We are forging ahead, and HAL is showing the way.” Speaking on the occasion, Dr D K Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director, HAL, focused on HAL’s transformation journey in IT and AI, operational excellence, capacity expansion, and the establishment of an R&D Centre for space. He said, “Institutions are shaped not only by technology but by leadership that builds capabilities. He implored all to focus on consistent execution across all domains by raising operational excellence and deepening indigenisation.” During the event, the cover of a HAL book by Amar Chitra Katha and HAL Mystamp was also unveiled.