Koraput: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said self-reliance in aero-engines is the foundation of India’s aerospace sovereignty.
He made the statement at a function marking the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Koraput Division and announcing a second Shakti engine manufacturing line at Sunabeda in Odisha.
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).
“Self-reliance in aero-engines is the foundation of India’s complete aerospace sovereignty. Work is underway on indigenous high-thrust engines, testing infrastructure, raw materials, and robust MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capabilities, building a strong engine ecosystem in the country,” he said.
Describing the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine as a major milestone for indigenous defence manufacturing, Singh said the Koraput Division had also overhauled more than 9,000 aero-engines.
“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 Koraput Division was established in 1964,” he said.
Singh said the Koraput Division has contributed to military aviation, noting that its engines have powered frontline aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI.
He stated that while production provides new capability, overhaul extends service life, making both critical for military preparedness.
He 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, Singh said 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.
Singh said aerospace self-reliance must extend to indigenous aero-engine capability, particularly for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
He highlighted the proposed investment of around Rs 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.
Singh said the government placed an order for 240 AL-31FP engines with HAL in 2024 for the Su-30MKI and that despite global supply-chain disruptions and raw-material challenges, it delivered the first engine ahead of schedule and has delivered 63 engines against a target of 60 by the end of the second year.
He announced that HAL is enhancing annual AL-31FP production capacity from 30 to 50 engines at an investment of Rs 335 crore.
Emphasising the need for reliable indigenous propulsion for India’s helicopter ecosystem, Singh said the 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 a focus on repeatable, reliable and scalable production, design, critical materials and superalloys.
He also called for greater integration of MSMEs, start-ups, private industry, academia and research institutions into the propulsion ecosystem.
He asked 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 collaborating with universities and research institutions.
Accompanied by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Singh interacted with engineers, technicians and other employees of the HAL division.
Stressing Odisha’s importance in the defence and aerospace ecosystem, Singh said the state has a long coastline, ports, mineral resources, industrial infrastructure and skilled manpower.
He said the government has already approved an Aerospace and Defence Equipment Manufacturing Complex at Gajamara in Dhenkanal.
