Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: In the high-stakes world of defence aviation, leadership that blends technical expertise with visionary thinking is crucial. Few exemplify this more than Shri Sudhansu Mohan Jena, the Executive Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Koraput Division. From his early days as a management trainee to his current position, Shri Jena’s journey is a remarkable tale of growth, innovation, and commitment to strengthening India’s aerospace capabilities. His three-decade career at HAL stands as a testament to the power of dedication and transformational leadership in one of India’s most critical sectors.
Early Career: A Foundation of Knowledge and Skill
Shri Jena’s journey with HAL began in 1987 when he joined as a management trainee, fresh from completing his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering at NIT Calicut. His pursuit of excellence didn’t stop there—he went on to earn an M.Tech in Aircraft Production Engineering from IIT Madras and later, a Post Graduate Program in International Management (PGPIM) from IMI, Delhi, where he was the gold medalist of his batch. This combination of technical expertise and international management knowledge laid the groundwork for the stellar career that followed.
30+ Years of Transformational Leadership
Over the next three decades, Shri Jena worked across various divisions within HAL, making significant contributions to the Transport Aircraft Division in Kanpur, the Avionics Division in Korwa, and HAL’s Corporate Office in Bengaluru. His work spanned several critical departments, including assembly, overhaul, IT, planning, and projects, where he introduced revolutionary changes.
Shri Jena’s ability to streamline processes and optimize outcomes became evident in his leadership of IT, planning, and outsourcing initiatives. His efforts to indigenize critical components and overhaul outdated systems set new benchmarks for HAL’s internal processes. He was also instrumental in significantly enhancing HAL’s cyber security measures, a crucial development in an era of increasing digital threats.
Leading HAL Koraput to New Heights
In 2023, Shri Jena took on a new challenge as General Manager of the HAL Koraput Division, overseeing one of the most important arms of the organization. Under his dynamic leadership, the division experienced an unprecedented 50% year-over-year revenue growth. His team achieved record-breaking results, overhauling 90 AL-31FP engines for the Sukhoi-30 aircraft and manufacturing 15 RD-33 engines for the MiG-29, the highest numbers ever recorded in the division’s history.
Shri Jena’s focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement also earned the Koraput Division the prestigious Sambad Corporate Excellence Award in the Gold category, recognizing it as a true “Brand of Odisha” and a “Pride of India.”
Revolutionizing HAL’s Future
One of Shri Jena’s most significant ongoing contributions is his involvement in Project Parivarthan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at modernizing HAL’s operations. His strategic vision has been instrumental in shaping the project’s success, ensuring HAL stays competitive in the fast-paced world of aerospace manufacturing and technology.
Shri Jena’s commitment to indigenization, innovation, and modernization has not only secured HAL’s position as a leader in India’s defence sector but also paved the way for future growth and success. His role in developing state-of-the-art solutions and implementing forward-thinking strategies has helped HAL Koraput emerge as a centre of excellence.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Shri Sudhansu Mohan Jena’s remarkable career exemplifies the impact that visionary leadership can have on an organization. From his early days as a management trainee to becoming the Executive Director of HAL’s Koraput Division, his journey has been defined by innovation, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions have helped shape HAL into a stronger, more agile organization, poised to meet the challenges of an evolving defence sector. As HAL continues to soar under his leadership, Shri Jena’s legacy will inspire future generations of aerospace professionals, proving that true progress is built on the pillars of knowledge, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to the nation’s defence and technological advancement.
