HAL Koraput Hits 2,000 Aero-Engines Milestone

HAL Koraput has celebrated a historic milestone with the delivery of its 2,000th aero-engine, acknowledging six decades of propulsion manufacturing. This achievement, hailed as significant for India's aerospace journey, underscores the division's crucial role in supporting the nation's armed forces. The facility has been instrumental in manufacturing and overhauling engines for frontline fighter jets.

At the same event, the Defence Minister announced the establishment of a second Shakti engine production line at Sunabeda, Odisha. This new line will have an annual capacity of up to 100 engines, substantially increasing the supply for India's indigenous helicopter fleet, including the Dhruv ALH and Prachand LCH. This expansion will raise the total annual capacity to approximately 180 engines.

Further bolstering India's defense capabilities, HAL is also increasing its annual production capacity for Su-30MKI engines from 30 to 50 units with a Rs 335 crore investment. These developments are part of a broader strategy to achieve complete aerospace sovereignty by fostering indigenous engine development, MRO capabilities, and a robust "engine ecosystem" with an estimated Rs 5,000 crore investment.

The event also highlighted Odisha's growing importance in India's defense and aerospace landscape, with state initiatives supporting manufacturing growth. This push for self-reliance in aero-engines is seen as foundational for future indigenous programs like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).