by: NavJeevan

Giving wings of fire to indigenisation: Defence minister inaugurates new LCA MK1A & HTT-40 production lines at HAL Nashik

NE DEFENCE BUREAU
PUNE, OCT 17

In a landmark stride towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third production line of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A and the second production line of the Hindustan Turbo Trainer (HTT-40) at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Nashik facility on Friday. He also flagged off the first LCA Mk1A produced at the site — marking a defining moment in India’s quest for self-reliance in aerospace technology.

Calling the Tejas Mk1A “a shining symbol of India’s growing Aatmanirbharta in defence,” the Defence Minister said the day represents a new dawn in India’s capability to design, produce, and deploy world-class indigenous platforms.

  • Flags off first Made-in-India LCA Mk1A aircraft — a soaring emblem of India’s Aatmanirbharta in defence
  • “HAL’s spirit of innovation and synergy with industry and academia proves that no challenge is too big when India builds together,” says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

“When we came to power in 2014, we realised that without self-reliance, we could never be truly secure,” said Shri Rajnath Singh. “We were once a nation that imported 70% of its critical defence hardware. Today, we produce 65% of our military equipment domestically — and our goal is to make it 100%. From aircraft and missiles to engines and electronic warfare systems, India is now building its own wings of strength.”

A Decade of Transformation and Momentum

Highlighting the transformation of India’s defence sector, the Defence Minister noted that the country’s annual defence production has grown from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15 to over ₹1.5 lakh crore in 2024-25, while exports have surged from ₹1,000 crore to ₹25,000 crore in the same period. The Government now aims to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029, he said.

He praised HAL’s Nashik team for its vital role in supporting the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor, ensuring 24×7 operational readiness through rapid maintenance of fighter jets and helicopters. “HAL’s efforts in integrating the BrahMos missile on the Su-30 — which destroyed terrorist hideouts — are proof that India can now defend itself with equipment made by its own hands,” he said.

“The LCA Mk1A and HTT-40 are not just aircraft; they are the embodiment of a self-reliant India’s spirit. These production lines are living proof of the synergy between government, industry, and academia. No challenge is too big if India faces it together,” the Minister asserted.

HAL: The Backbone of India’s Aerospace Future

Commending HAL’s legacy and innovation, the Defence Minister called the Nashik facility a “glowing symbol of self-reliance”, evolving from manufacturing MiG-21s and Su-30s to producing next-generation indigenous fighters.

Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar said the new production lines represent “India’s growing technological confidence and strategic foresight,” adding that “LCA Tejas Mk1A and HTT-40 stand as proud testaments to our design and manufacturing excellence.”

HAL CMD Dr. D.K. Sunil termed the operationalisation of the new lines as “a testament to HAL’s expanding capacity and innovation ecosystem.” He added that the Nashik Division’s diversification into indigenous fighter production has created over 1,000 jobs and 40 local industry partnerships, reinforcing public-private collaboration in aerospace manufacturing.

The event culminated with a spectacular aerial display by Tejas Mk1A, Su-30MKI, and HTT-40, symbolising India’s unstoppable flight towards defence indigenisation and global aerospace leadership.