HAL shares drop nearly 2% despite positive Tejas jet delivery update

HAL stock price, HAL performance today: Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) declined in Wednesday’s trade, surprising many who had expected a rebound following positive developments related to the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program.

As of 12:59 PM IST, HAL stock was trading at Rs 4,794.50, down Rs 92.00 or 1.88 per cent, even as broader market indices like the Sensex and Nifty remained in positive territory.

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Hopes High, Outcome Soft

Investor sentiment heading into the session was optimistic, buoyed by HAL’s announcement that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive six Tejas jets by March 2026. The update was seen as a signal of progress in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing goals, and many expected it to give a lift to HAL stock in intra-day trade.

However, the stock failed to sustain buying interest, extending its recent downtrend. On Tuesday, HAL had already slipped 2.82 per cent to close at Rs 4,886.50, and over the past week, it has lost 3.19 per cent.

Short-Term Pain, Medium-Term Promise

Despite the recent dip, HAL’s medium-term performance remains strong. The stock has gained 18.32 per cent in the last three months and 15.90 per cent over six months. It currently trades between its 52-week high of Rs 5,674.75 and low of Rs 3,046.05.

Market analysts continue to back HAL’s long-term potential, citing its key role in India’s defence production. “HAL typically reacts to geopolitical developments. With the IAF committed to procuring 180 Tejas jets worth Rs 1.15 lakh crore, the long-term story is intact,” said an expert.

What to Watch Next

Experts caution short-term investors to temper expectations. “If your horizon is only 1–2 months, it’s better to extend that to at least six months. That’s when meaningful upside can be expected,” one analyst noted.

In the near term, HAL may trade in a Rs 4,400–5,300 range, but for those with a longer outlook, a return to Rs 5,500 or even higher levels is still achievable, especially with progress on the more advanced Tejas Mark 2 also underway.