Rajnath Singh Witnesses HAL Koraput Deliver 2,000th Aero-Engine, Announces Second Shakti Line

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 6, 2026, witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Koraput Division, a milestone that reflects six decades of propulsion manufacturing and engineering work at the facility. On the same occasion, he announced a second production line for Shakti engines, expanding the public sector aerospace major’s manufacturing footprint in a critical segment of military aviation.

Calling the achievement an important moment in India’s aerospace journey, Singh said the country must continue building indigenous strength across the full aero-engine chain — from design and development to testing, manufacturing and maintenance. He stressed that propulsion technology lies at the core of self-reliance in aerospace and defence, and said the sector cannot depend on imported know-how if India intends to sustain advanced air power in the long term.

The Defence Minister congratulated the engineers, technicians, scientists and workers of HAL Koraput, saying the 2,000 engines delivered by the division amounted to 2,000 contributions to the operational capability of the Armed Forces. He also linked the milestone to the history of the unit, noting that the Koraput Division was established in 1964 and has since accumulated six decades of engineering experience and technological expertise.

Singh highlighted the role HAL Koraput’s engines have played in Indian military aviation over the years, pointing out that they have powered frontline aircraft such as the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI. He said production and overhaul are both essential to military preparedness: production creates fresh capability, while overhaul extends the useful life of existing equipment.

The division has overhauled more than 9,000 engines, and Singh praised its indigenous repair and overhaul capabilities. He said localised repair work, indigenisation of components and shorter turnaround times were helping strengthen operational readiness and prolonging the service life of critical defence assets.

Describing the aero-engine as the “heart” of an aircraft, the Defence Minister said reliable propulsion is essential if advanced airframes, radars, weapons and avionics are to be used effectively. He noted that building such capability requires expertise in precision manufacturing, advanced materials, metallurgy, cooling technologies, testing and rigorous quality assurance.

He added that modern aero-engine technology depends on advanced superalloys, thermal-barrier coatings and sophisticated cooling systems to perform reliably in extreme conditions. Mastering propulsion, he said, amounts to mastering some of the most advanced industrial capabilities available.

Singh said indigenous aero-engine capability is especially important for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, which he cited as part of India’s wider push for aerospace self-reliance. He referred to a 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.

According to him, a sovereign aerospace ecosystem must include indigenous strength in materials, design, manufacturing, testing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO). Without those elements, he said, it would be difficult to build a durable and independent propulsion base.

Singh also pointed to HAL’s delivery record for the Su-30MKI programme. He noted that the government placed an order for 240 AL-31FP engines with HAL in 2024, and despite global supply-chain disruptions and challenges in raw material supply, the first engine was delivered ahead of schedule. HAL has since delivered 63 engines against a target of 60 by the end of the second year.

To meet future requirements, the Defence Minister announced that HAL is increasing its annual AL-31FP production capacity from 30 engines to 50, backed by an investment of Rs 335 crore. He also announced a second production line for Shakti engines, with an investment of Rs 218 crore. The new line is expected to manufacture up to 100 engines annually and is scheduled to be fully established by 2028-29.

The expanded Shakti engine capacity will support indigenous helicopter platforms, including the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

Singh said India’s helicopter ecosystem needs propulsion systems that are available when required, supported over their entire life cycle and upgraded as technology evolves. He described aero-engine development as a long-term effort that requires sustained investment, specialised testing, trained manpower and a strong industrial base.

He also stressed the need for repeatable, reliable and scalable production, along with domestic capabilities in design, critical materials and superalloys. In addition, he called for stronger involvement of MSMEs, start-ups, private industry, academia and research institutions in the propulsion ecosystem.

The Defence Minister urged HAL to develop Koraput not just as an engine production site, but as the nucleus of a wider aerospace propulsion ecosystem. He said this should include nurturing suppliers, mentoring MSMEs, supporting start-ups and young engineers, collaborating with universities and research institutions, and building capabilities for critical components.

Singh also drew attention to Odisha’s growing role in India’s defence and aerospace landscape. He cited the State’s strategic location, long coastline, ports, mineral resources, industrial infrastructure and skilled manpower as strengths, and referred to DRDO’s Integrated Test Range at Chandipur as well as recent initiatives by the Odisha government as a foundation for future growth.

He specifically appreciated the Odisha government’s initiatives under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, including approval for an Aerospace and Defence Equipment Manufacturing Complex at Gajamara in Dhenkanal.

Calling again on HAL to develop Koraput as the centre of a broader propulsion ecosystem, Singh said the facility should help create opportunities for local youth, start-ups and MSMEs while building indigenous manufacturing capacity for critical engine components. He asked the team to raise standards in quality, productivity, indigenisation, innovation and delivery timelines, and said the 2,000th engine should serve as a foundation for building an Indian aerospace industry capable of designing, developing, manufacturing and supporting advanced propulsion systems.

He congratulated the HAL Koraput team, the Indian Air Force, industry partners, MSMEs, scientists, engineers, technicians and the people of Odisha on the milestone.

The event was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, 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.