By A Correspondent

Koraput (Odisha): India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL’s) Koraput Division on Tuesday (October 6, 2026), and announced the establishment of a second production line for Shakti engines. 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.

Congratulating the engineers, technicians, scientists, and skilled workforce of HAL-Koraput, Rajnath Singh said the delivery of 2,000 engines represented 2,000 significant contributions to the operational capability of the defence forces and reflected six decades of engineering expertise and technological experience since the Division was established in 1964. The defence minister 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 said that production provided new capability and overhaul extended service life. “Both are critical for military preparedness. He appreciated HAL Koraput’s indigenous repair and overhaul capability, with more than 9,000 engines overhauled so far, and noted that indigenisation of components and reduced turnaround time are contributing to operational readiness and extended service life of critical defence assets.

Describing the aero-engine as the ‘heart’ of an aircraft, Rajnath Singh emphasised that reliable propulsion is essential to effectively utilise advanced airframes, radars, weapons and avionics. He highlighted the need for expertise in precision manufacturing, advanced materials, metallurgy, cooling technologies, testing and stringent quality assurance.

He noted that aero-engine technology combines advanced superalloys, thermal-barrier coatings and sophisticated cooling systems for reliable performance under extreme conditions, making mastery of propulsion technology mastery of some of the most advanced industrial capabilities. The defence minister underlined that aerospace self-reliance must extend to indigenous aero-engine capability, particularly for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.

He pointed out the proposed investment of around ₹5,000 crore, indigenisation of raw materials in partnership with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), and the 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 the defence forces’ requirements, Rajnath 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 another 63 engines against a target of 60 engines by the end of the second year.

Rajnath Singh announced that HAL is enhancing annual AL-31FP production capacity from 30 to 50 engines with an investment of ₹335 crore. He also announced a second Shakti engine production line with an investment of ₹218 crore. The new line will manufacture up to 100 engines annually and is scheduled to be fully established by 2028-29, catering to indigenous helicopters including the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

Emphasising the need for reliable indigenous propulsion for India’s helicopter ecosystem, the defence minister said the defence forces require engines that are available when needed, supported throughout their lifecycle and upgraded with evolving technology. He noted that aero-engine development is a long-term endeavour requiring sustained investment, specialised testing, skilled manpower and a strong industrial ecosystem, with focus on repeatable, reliable and scalable production, design, critical materials and superalloys.

He called for greater integration of MSMEs, start-ups, private industry, academia and research institutions into the propulsion ecosystem. He instructed HAL to develop Koraput not merely as an engine production facility but as a broader aerospace propulsion ecosystem by nurturing suppliers, mentoring MSMEs, supporting start-ups and young engineers, collaborating with universities and research institutions, and developing capabilities for critical components.

Highlighting Odisha’s growing importance in the defence and aerospace systems, Rajnath Singh noted the state’s strategic location, long coastline, ports, mineral resources, industrial infrastructure and skilled manpower. He said that strategic infrastructure, including DRDO’s Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, along with recent initiatives of the Odisha government, provided a strong foundation for growth of the aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem. 

Appreciating the Odisha government’s initiatives under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the defence minister highlighted the approval for an Aerospace and Defence Equipment Manufacturing Complex at Gajamara, Dhenkanal. He called upon HAL to develop Koraput as a nucleus of a broader aerospace propulsion ecosystem by developing suppliers, mentoring MSMEs, providing opportunities to young engineers and start-ups in advanced technology areas, collaborating with universities and research institutions, creating opportunities for skilled local youth, and developing indigenous manufacturing capabilities for critical engine components.

Urging the HAL Koraput team to raise standards in quality, productivity, indigenisation, innovation and delivery timelines, Rajnath Singh described the 2,000th engine as a significant milestone and called for using it as a foundation to build an Indian aerospace industry capable of designing, developing, manufacturing and supporting advanced propulsion systems. He congratulated the HAL Koraput team, Indian Air Force, industry partners, MSMEs, scientists, engineers, technicians and the people of Odisha on the occasion.

Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Tejpal Singh, HAL Chairman and Managing Director, Ravi K, MIDHANI Chairman and Managing Director Dr. S.V.S. Narayana Murty, and Joint Secretary (Aerospace Wing & DOMW) Manisha Chandra were also present on the occasion.

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