A few posts on social media (X) have falsely stated that HAL has finalized the selection of a consultancy firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to benchmark its R&D activities. HAL would like to state that no firm has been finalized yet for the benchmarking of its R&D processes. HAL had issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for engaging a consultancy firm to conduct a benchmarking study of its R&D framework against global Aerospace and Defence companies. The decision to initiate this benchmarking exercise was taken based on the recommendations made by the high-power committee on Public Undertakings as part of HAL’s continuous improvement and modernization efforts. The selection process is being conducted through a transparent and competitive methodology on the Government of India’s GEM Portal in compliance with all applicable procurement guidelines. The process is currently ongoing. HAL reiterates that no official award of work has been made so far, and any information suggesting otherwise is premature and incorrect. HAL remains committed to upholding transparency and fairness in all its procurement actions.