A recent report from the Committee On Public Undertakings (CPU) has urged the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to expedite agreements with global certification agencies, particularly the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), to enhance Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) aircraft exports. The report, presented in December, highlights significant delays in HAL’s Gas Turbine Engine project, attributed to slow approvals for essential test-bed infrastructure and procurement bottlenecks, which have stalled progress since 2018 and led to substantial financial losses. The committee criticized the MoD for lacking a clear roadmap on critical testing facilities, underscoring the importance of resolving these issues to meet India’s aspirations for self-reliance in aerospace systems under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Despite HAL’s proactive measures in developing indigenous components and collaborating with global aerospace firms, the ongoing gaps in testing capabilities pose a threat to the nation’s defense modernization efforts and its ability to compete in the global aviation market. The CPU’s call for an urgent action plan, complete with timelines and funding arrangements, reflects a critical need for administrative agility alongside technological advancements in India’s defense R&D ecosystem.