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Koraput, October 6: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL), Koraput Division and announced the establishment of a second production line for Shakti engines in this unti.
The Rs 218-crore new line will manufacture up to 100 engines annually and is scheduled to be fully established by 2028-29, catering to indigenous helicopters, including Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
He announced that HAL is enhancing annual AL-31FP production capacity from 30 to 50 engines with an investment of Rs 335 crore.
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“The delivery of 2,000 engines represents 2,000 significant contributions to the operational capability of the Defence Forces and reflects six decades of engineering expertise and technological experience since the Division was established in 1964,” said Singh.
Describing the milestone as a significant achievement in India’s aerospace journey, he called for strengthening indigenous capabilities in the design, development, testing, manufacturing and maintenance of advanced aero-engines, stressing that mastery of propulsion technology is essential for self-reliance in the aerospace and defence sector.
He highlighted HAL Koraput’s contribution to military aviation, noting that its engines have powered frontline aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI.
He appreciated HAL Koraput’s indigenous repair and overhaul capability, with more than 9,000 engines overhauled so far.
Describing the aero-engine as the ‘heart’ of an aircraft, Singh emphasised that reliable propulsion is essential to effectively utilise advanced airframes, radars, weapons and avionics.
He highlighted the proposed investment of around Rs 5,000 crore, indigenisation of raw materials in partnership with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and establishment of India’s first indigenous high-thrust engine testing facility.
He stressed that a sovereign aerospace ecosystem requires indigenous capabilities across materials, design, manufacturing, testing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO).
Highlighting HAL’s performance in meeting Defence Forces’ requirements, Singh noted that the Government placed an order for 240 AL-31FP engines with HAL in 2024 for the Su-30MKI. Despite global supply-chain disruptions and raw-material challenges, HAL delivered the first engine ahead of schedule and has delivered 63 engines against a target of 60 by the end of the second year.
Highlighting Odisha’s growing importance in the defence and aerospace ecosystem, the Defence Minister that the strategic infrastructure, including DRDO’s Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, along with recent initiatives of the Odisha Government, provides a strong foundation for growth of the aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Appreciating the initiatives of the Odisha Government, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Raksha Mantri highlighted the approval for an Aerospace and Defence Equipment Manufacturing Complex at Gajamara, Dhenkanal.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also graced the event.
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