Ajay Kumar Shrivastava took charge as Director (Engineering and R&D), HAL. Prior to this appointment, he held the position of Executive Director (Aircraft Research & Design Centre) at HAL. During his 37-year career at HAL, he held key leadership positions, including Head of the Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) and Head of the Transport Aircraft Research and Design Centre (TARDC). He has made significant contributions to major projects and has also successfully led the indigenisation of several critical aircraft components. He has extensive experience in design and development of trainer, fighter and transport aircraft as well as rotary aircraft. A recipient of the FASIA (French Aeronautics & Space Industry Award) for his contribution to the aeronautics industry, Shrivastava has been instrumental in the avionics upgrade of Hindustan Jet Trainer-36 ‘Yashas’ which was successfully demonstrated during Aero India 2025.