Hails HAL as Backbone of Aatmanirbharta; Unveils New Production Lines for LCA Mk1A and HTT-40
Nashik -Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today inaugurated the third Production Line of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A and the second Production Line of the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Nashik. The Minister also flagged-off the first LCA Mk1A aircraft produced at the new facility, calling the state-of-the-art fighter a “shining symbol of India’s growing Aatmanirbharta in defence.”
The strategic expansion will immediately elevate HAL’s total LCA Mk1A production capacity to 24 aircraft per year. The third line was operationalised in a record time of two years and is fully equipped to manufacture the key modules, including the Fuselage, Wings, and Air Intake.
In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the monumental shift in India’s defence sector over the last decade. He noted that the country, which once imported 65-70% of its critical military hardware, is now manufacturing 65% of equipment domestically. The Government has now set a firm target of increasing defence manufacturing to Rs 3 lakh crore and exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.
“When we came to power in 2014, we realised that without self-reliance, we can never be truly secure,” the Minister stated. He detailed how reforms addressed past challenges of ‘limited defence preparedness’ and ‘import dependency’ by fostering a greater synergy between the government, industry, and academia. This integrated approach, he said, is proven by the surge in annual defence production, which rose from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15 to over Rs 1.50 lakh crore in 2024-25, with exports reaching an all-time high of Rs 25,000 crore.
Shri Rajnath Singh also specifically lauded HAL’s crucial operational support during the recent Operation Sindoor, stating that the mission was a true test of the entire system.
“HAL provided support at various operational sites 24 hours a day during the operation. It ensured the Indian Air Force’s operational readiness by carrying out prompt maintenance on fighter jets and helicopters,” the Minister said.
He singled out the Nashik team for performing the “crucial task of installing the BrahMos missile on the Su-30,” which was instrumental in destroying terrorist hideouts during the operation.
The Defence Minister urged HAL to expand its vision beyond LCA Tejas and HTT-40, making its mark in next-generation aircraft, unmanned systems, and civil aviation to stay ahead in the race of modern warfare.
Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), termed the inaugurations a symbol of India’s growing technological confidence and strategic foresight, adding that the LCA Tejas Mk1 is a “statement of India’s design and manufacturing excellence.” Dr. DK Sunil, CMD, HAL, confirmed that the Nashik expansion has created around 1,000 jobs and developed over 40 industry partners, aligning with the goal of an effective Public-Private Partnership.
The Nashik Division, which has a six-decade legacy of manufacturing and overhauling over 1,900 military aircraft, including the MiG-21 and Su-30 MKI, was praised as a “glowing symbol of self-reliance.” The event concluded with exhilarating aerial displays by the newly produced Tejas Mk1A, Su-30MKI, and HTT-40.