DK Sunil (L) taking charge from CB Ananthakrishnan at the HAL headquarters in Bengaluru. (Photo via special arrangement.)
Bengaluru: Dr DK Sunil has officially taken charge as the chairman and managing director (CMD) of the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in an additional capacity, succeeding Dr CB Ananthakrishnan, on Saturday. His appointment, which will be effective from September 1, marks a major leadership transition at the HAL at a time when the company is undertaking or in the process of starting some major aviation projects both for the defence and civilian sectors.
Sunil has a stellar academic record. Before joining the HAL, he got a degree in Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Osmania University, in 1987. Then, in 1991, after joining the HAL as a management trainee, he got a Master of Technology (MTech) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
Later, in 2019, he completed his doctoral research in Electronics from the Centre for Advanced Studies in Electronics Science and Technology (CASEST), University of Hyderabad, where he focused on cognitive radio and spectrum-sensing algorithms.
Sunil, who also serves as the director of engineering, research and development at the HAL, brings nearly 37 years of experience to this role. He has been a key figure in the company since joining as a management trainee in 1987, contributing to various aspects such as design, production, and customer support.
Throughout his career at the HAL, Sunil has been instrumental in the development of several advanced technologies, including the radar power supply and the voice-activated control systems specifically for various aircraft and helicopter platforms. These technologies have been significant contributions to the HAL’s advancements in avionics and systems integration, particularly in enhancing the capabilities of combat aircraft and helicopters.
His leadership has also been noteworthy in entering strategic partnerships with premier institutions, like IIT Kanpur and IIIT Hyderabad, which further strengthened the HAL’s technological capabilities.
Under his direction, the HAL achieved significant milestones such as the military certification of the HTT-40 aircraft and the initiation of critical projects, like the Indigenous Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Utility Helicopter Maritime (UHM). Sunil’s expertise extends across various system-level projects for both aircraft and helicopters, making him a vital asset to the HAL’s continued innovation and growth.
