New Delhi: The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Jasbir Singh for the post of Director (Engineering, Research & Development) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Schedule ‘A’ Maharatna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence.
The recommendation was finalised at PESB Meeting No. 88/2026, held on 6 November 2026.
Singh is currently serving as Executive Director at HAL’s Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre (RWR&DC) in Bengaluru.
The centre is one of HAL’s key design and development establishments, responsible for research and development of helicopters and other rotary-wing platforms. In his current role, Singh has been associated with the centre’s work on advanced rotary-wing technologies.
PESB Interviews 12 Candidates
PESB interviewed 12 senior executives from HAL for the Board-level position. Other candidates included:
Arup Kumar Mallick, Executive Director, HAL Management Academy
Sumana Prakash, General Manager, Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC)
Dr Abhishek Singh, Chief Designer, Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre
Ravindra Kumar, Chief of Projects, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
The panel also included General Managers and Chief Designers from various HAL divisions.
Role and Responsibilities
The Director (Engineering, Research & Development) is a Board-level position responsible for overseeing HAL’s engineering, research and development functions across its aircraft and helicopter programmes. The portfolio covers fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, including fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters and unmanned systems.
Appointment Process
Following the PESB recommendation, the proposal will be processed by the Ministry of Defence and the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Singh’s formal appointment will take effect after the required approvals.
