Hindustan Aeronautics Limited shareholders approved a ₹10 per share final dividend for FY26 and appointed Ravi K as Chairman and Managing Director at the company’s 63rd Annual General Meeting held on August 28, 2026. Official voting results filed with stock exchanges confirm all seven resolutions passed by requisite majority.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited board confirmed the payout alongside an interim dividend of ₹35 per equity share already paid during the year. The total dividend distribution reflects the Maharatna CPSE’s financial position for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026. The meeting was conducted via Video Conferencing/Other Audio Visual Means (OAVM), with sixty-seven public shareholders attending in person or via proxy.

Voting Results Overview

The scrutinizer report, submitted by S.N. Mishra of SNM & Associates, details the voting patterns across promoter, institutional, and non-institutional public categories. Promoter group votes, representing 100% of their holding, were cast entirely in favour of all resolutions. Institutional investors showed significant dissent on the re-appointment of two rotating directors.

Key Resolutions Passed

The AGM transacted several ordinary business items. Key outcomes included:

• Adoption of audited consolidated financial statements for FY26.
• Confirmation of interim dividend of ₹35 and declaration of final dividend of ₹10 per share.
• Re-appointment of directors Dr. Barenya Senapati and M G Balasubrahmanya, who retired by rotation.
• Fixation of remuneration for statutory auditors for FY27.
• Ratification of cost auditor remuneration for FY27.
• Appointment of Shri Ravi K as Chairman & Managing Director.

Governance and Compliance

Ravi K, who chaired the meeting, addressed members on financial highlights, research and development progress, and future outlook. The company secretary briefed participants on electronic voting procedures facilitated by KFin Technologies Limited. M/s SNM & Associates served as the scrutinizer for the voting process.

Independent Director Rakesh Bhawasar, who chairs the Stakeholder’s Relationship Committee, Audit Committee, and Nomination & Remuneration Committee, was present. It was noted that while the Audit Committee and NRC are not in valid constitution at present, Bhawasar continues to lead both committees.

What the Numbers Show

The voting data reveals a divergence between promoter and institutional shareholder sentiment regarding board composition. While promoters voted unanimously in favour of all resolutions, institutional investors voted against the re-appointment of Dr. Barenya Senapati (41.83% against) and M G Balasubrahmanya (38.51% against). Conversely, institutional support remained high for the CMD appointment of Ravi K (90.96% in favour) and the dividend declaration (97.96% in favour), suggesting confidence in leadership continuity and capital return despite reservations about specific director renewals.

Hindustan Aeronautics and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a final contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. to begin development and production of the Aravalli engine.

Contract details

The agreement, signed on August 26, 2026, covers the design, development, manufacture, supply, and lifecycle support of a new-generation high-power helicopter engine in the 3,500 to 4,000 shp power class. The Aravalli engine has been selected to power HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

The signing ceremony was presided over by Mr. Ravi K, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, and Mr. Cédric Goubet, Chief Executive Officer, Safran Helicopter Engines. The contract was executed by Mr. Ajay Kumar Shrivastava, Director, Engineering, Research & Development, HAL, and Mr. Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines.

Strategic significance

Named after one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli engine symbolizes India's aspirations towards achieving greater self-reliance in critical aerospace propulsion technologies. This contract represents a major milestone in the evolution of India's aerospace and defence ecosystem.

Mr. Ravi K stated that the programme creates a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms and contributes to a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem. Mr. Cédric Goubet noted that this is the first time Safran Helicopter Engines has taken up an engine of this class, marking a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India.