HAL Koraput Achieves 2,000th Aero-Engine Delivery with Major Capacity Expansion
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Koraput Division on October 06, 2026, marking a significant milestone in India's aerospace journey that represents six decades of engineering expertise since the division's establishment in 1964. The event highlighted HAL Koraput's substantial contribution to military aviation, with its engines powering frontline aircraft including MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29, and Su-30MKI, while also achieving over 9,000 engine overhauls that extend service life and enhance operational readiness through indigenous repair capabilities and reduced turnaround times.
The Raksha Mantri announced major capacity expansion initiatives, including enhancing AL-31FP production capacity from 30 to 50 engines annually with an investment of Rs 335 crore, and establishing a second Shakti engine production line with an investment of Rs 218 crore that will manufacture up to 100 engines annually by 2028-29 to cater to indigenous helicopters including Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The government is pursuing an indigenous high-thrust engine programme with an investment of approximately Rs 5,000 crore for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, which includes indigenisation of raw materials in partnership with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and establishment of India's first indigenous high-thrust engine testing facility.
HAL's performance in meeting defence requirements was highlighted, with the government placing an order for 240 AL-31FP engines in 2024 for Su-30MKI aircraft, and despite global supply-chain disruptions and raw-material challenges, HAL delivered the first engine ahead of schedule and has delivered 63 engines against a target of 60 by the end of the second year. The Raksha Mantri emphasized the need for reliable indigenous propulsion for India's helicopter ecosystem, requiring engines that are available when needed, supported throughout their lifecycle, and upgraded with evolving technology, while calling for greater integration of MSMEs, start-ups, private industry, academia, and research institutions into the propulsion ecosystem.
Odisha's growing importance in the defence and aerospace ecosystem was noted, citing the state's strategic location, long coastline, ports, mineral resources, industrial infrastructure, and skilled manpower, along with DRDO's Integrated Test Range at Chandipur and the Odisha Government's approval for an Aerospace and Defence Equipment Manufacturing Complex at Gajamara, Dhenkanal under Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi.