HAL Koraput delivers 2,000th aero-engine as Rajnath Singh announces second Shakti line

Hyderabad: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Koraput Division, on October 6, 2026. He also announced a second production line for Shakti engines. The Raksha Mantri called the milestone a significant achievement in India’s aerospace journey.

Singh urged the country to strengthen indigenous design, development, testing, manufacturing and maintenance of advanced aero-engines. In his view, mastery of propulsion technology is essential for self-reliance in aerospace and defence.

Congratulating the engineers, technicians, scientists and skilled workforce of HAL Koraput, he said the 2,000 engines represent 2,000 significant contributions to the operational capability of the Defence Forces. Moreover, the milestone reflects six decades of engineering expertise since the Division was established in 1964.

HAL Koraput engines power frontline aircraft

The Raksha Mantri highlighted the contribution of HAL Koraput to military aviation. Its engines have powered frontline aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI. Production provides new capability, he said, while overhaul extends service life. Therefore, both are critical for military preparedness.

Singh also appreciated the indigenous repair and overhaul capability of the Division, which has overhauled more than 9,000 engines so far. According to him, indigenisation of components and reduced turnaround time are contributing to operational readiness. These steps also extend the service life of critical defence assets.

Describing the aero-engine as the “heart” of an aircraft, he said reliable propulsion is essential to use advanced airframes, radars, weapons and avionics effectively. For this, he noted, India needs expertise in precision manufacturing, advanced materials, metallurgy, cooling technologies, testing and stringent quality assurance. Aero-engine technology combines advanced superalloys, thermal-barrier coatings and sophisticated cooling systems for reliable performance under extreme conditions. Consequently, mastering it means mastering some of the most advanced industrial capabilities, he said.

Rs 5,000 crore engine push for AMCA

The Raksha Mantri underlined that aerospace self-reliance must extend to indigenous aero-engine capability. This applies particularly to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. He highlighted the proposed investment of around Rs 5,000 crore. In addition, he cited 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.

A sovereign aerospace ecosystem requires indigenous capabilities across materials, design, manufacturing, testing and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), he stressed.

AL-31FP output and second Shakti line

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. It has delivered 63 engines against a target of 60 by the end of the second year.

Meanwhile, HAL is raising annual AL-31FP production capacity from 30 to 50 engines with an investment of Rs 335 crore, he announced. Besides this, he announced a second Shakti engine production line with an investment of Rs 218 crore. The new line will make up to 100 engines annually and is scheduled to be fully established by 2028-29. In particular, it will cater to indigenous helicopters including the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

Singh seeks wider propulsion ecosystem

Singh stressed the need for reliable indigenous propulsion for India’s helicopter ecosystem. The Defence Forces require engines that are available when needed, supported throughout their lifecycle and upgraded with evolving technology, he said. Aero-engine development, he noted, is a long-term endeavour. It needs sustained investment, specialised testing, skilled manpower and a strong industrial ecosystem. Hence, the focus must be on repeatable, reliable and scalable production, design, critical materials and superalloys.

The Raksha Mantri 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 the nucleus of a broader aerospace propulsion ecosystem. To achieve this, HAL should nurture suppliers, mentor MSMEs and give young engineers and start-ups opportunities in advanced technology areas. Likewise, it should collaborate with universities and research institutions, create opportunities for skilled local youth and develop indigenous manufacturing capabilities for critical engine components.

Odisha’s growing role in aerospace and defence

Singh highlighted the growing importance of Odisha in the defence and aerospace ecosystem. He noted the State’s strategic location, long coastline, ports, mineral resources, industrial infrastructure and skilled manpower. In addition, strategic infrastructure, including the DRDO Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, and recent initiatives of the Odisha Government provide a strong foundation for growth of aerospace and defence manufacturing.

He appreciated the initiatives of the Odisha Government under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Notably, he highlighted the approval for an Aerospace and Defence Equipment Manufacturing Complex at Gajamara, Dhenkanal.

Singh calls for higher standards at HAL Koraput

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

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was also present. So were Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Tejpal Singh and HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K. MIDHANI Chairman and Managing Director Dr S.V.S. Narayana Murty and Joint Secretary (Aerospace Wing and DOMW) Manisha Chandra also attended.