Retired Air Marshal Diptendu Chowdhury Alleges HAL Employees Delayed Production for Year-End Bonuses

New Delhi: Amid the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27, which allocated ₹7.84 lakh crore for India’s defence sector—up from ₹6.81 lakh crore last year—a video of Retired Air Marshal Diptendu Chowdhury has gone viral, making startling claims about Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) employees.

Allegations by Air Marshal Chowdhury
Air Marshal Diptendu Chowdhury, a highly decorated officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and recipient of PVSM, AVSM, VM, and VSM, alleged in the video that some HAL employees deliberately delayed production to secure year-end bonuses. He expressed concern that such practices compromised national security.

Video Shared by Shaurya Chakra Awardee Major Digvijay Singh Rawat
The video was shared by Major Digvijay Singh Rawat, a Shaurya Chakra awardee from Dhumakot, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Major Rawat wrote on his X account: “HAL employees were delaying production to receive year-end bonuses—Air Marshal Diptendu Chowdhury, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM. This is absolutely unbelievable! How could these internal inefficiencies harm national security? With such rotten elements in the system, what need is there for external enemies?”

Major Rawat has previously been recognized for his exemplary bravery in Manipur, where he not only mapped insurgent groups based on precise intelligence but also successfully captured multiple militants alive during direct confrontations.

About Air Marshal Diptendu Chowdhury
Air Marshal Chowdhury served over 37 years in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot, flying aircraft such as the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29, and Su-30. He has logged over 5,000 flying hours and has held several key command and operational roles. He has been honoured with India’s top military awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), for his distinguished service.

The video has sparked widespread discussion about operational efficiency, accountability, and the intersection of personnel incentives and national security in India’s defence production sector.