Defense Minister Rajnath Singh recently commended Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for its unwavering, 24/7 support to the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the significant four-day military operation, codenamed ‘Operation Sindoor’. He emphasized that HAL’s prompt maintenance efforts ensured the nation’s fighter jets and helicopters remained fully operational and battle-ready throughout the critical period.
Singh’s remarks were made in Nashik during the inauguration of new production facilities for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A and the HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft. These new lines are crucial for meeting the IAF’s growing fleet requirements.
A key highlight was the integration of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with the IAF’s Russian-origin Su-30 fighter jets by HAL’s Nashik Division. Singh noted, “The Nashik team performed the crucial task of installing the BrahMos missile on the Su-30, which destroyed terrorist hideouts during the operation. This proved that when it comes to national security, we can make our own equipment and protect ourselves with it.”
Operation Sindoor was launched as India’s direct military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which claimed 26 lives. The operation, commencing in the early hours of May 7, targeted terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The inauguration of the LCA Mk-1A production line, the third in India and the first outside Bengaluru, comes shortly after the defense ministry finalized a substantial contract worth ₹62,370 crore for 97 additional LCA Mk-1As for the IAF, addressing a critical shortage of fighter jets.
“LCA Mk-1A and HTT-40 production lines are proof of government-industry-academia synergy. No challenge is too big if faced together,” Singh stated, underscoring the collaborative effort. This new order brings the total number of LCA Mk-1As ordered to 180, following an initial order of 83 jets in February 2021.
While deliveries for the earlier order are expected soon, HAL aims to produce 16 LCA Mk-1As annually in Bengaluru, with the Nashik facility boosting the total production capacity to 24 jets per year.
Furthermore, the HTT-40 production line, HAL’s second such facility and first outside Bengaluru, is slated to deliver its first aircraft in January 2026. Under a ₹6,838 crore contract for 70 trainer aircraft, HAL plans to deliver 11 more HTT-40s by the end of the current financial year.
Singh also emphasized India’s significant strides in defense manufacturing self-reliance, noting that the country now manufactures approximately 65% of its critical military hardware, a substantial increase from the previous 65-70% import reliance. He reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving 100% domestic production.
HAL Chairman DK Sunil highlighted the operationalization of the new production lines as a testament to HAL’s expanding capabilities. He mentioned that the Nashik Division’s enhanced capacity not only accelerates production but also creates around 1,000 jobs and fosters the development of over 40 industry partners, aligning with the government’s public-private partnership goals.
The Nashik Division, established in 1964 for MiG-21 production, has a rich history of manufacturing and overhauling military aircraft, including MiG-27 and Su-30 variants.