Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, called for a decisive strengthening of India's indigenous capabilities in the design, development, testing, and manufacture of advanced aero-engines, asserting that mastery over propulsion technology is indispensable to achieving true self-reliance in the aerospace and defence sector. Singh made the remarks at HAL Koraput Division in Odisha, where he witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

A Milestone Six Decades in the Making

Describing the delivery as a landmark in India's aerospace journey, Singh congratulated the engineers, technicians, scientists, and skilled workers of HAL Koraput, noting that the achievement embodies six decades of engineering expertise since the division was established in 1964. The division has powered frontline military aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29, and the Su-30MKI. According to Singh, more than 9,000 engines have been overhauled at the facility to date, underscoring its critical role in maintaining the operational readiness of India's Armed Forces.

Key Investments and Capacity Expansion

Singh announced a ₹335 crore investment to raise HAL's annual production capacity of AL-31FP engines — which power the Su-30MKI fleet — from 30 to 50 units per year. He also confirmed the establishment of a second Shakti engine production line at an outlay of ₹218 crore, which will have an annual capacity of up to 100 engines and is expected to be fully operational by 2028–29. The Shakti line will support indigenous helicopter platforms, including the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

Notably, the government had placed an order for 240 AL-31FP engines with HAL in 2024 for the Su-30MKI fleet. Despite global supply-chain disruptions and raw-material challenges, HAL delivered the first engine ahead of schedule and supplied 63 engines against a target of 60 by the close of the second year — a delivery record Singh highlighted as evidence of the organisation's growing execution capability.

The AMCA Imperative and Indigenous Engine Testing

Singh stressed that self-reliance in aerospace must encompass indigenous aero-engine capabilities, particularly for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. He referenced a proposed investment of approximately ₹5,000 crore, ongoing efforts to indigenise raw materials in collaboration with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), and the establishment of India's first indigenous high-thrust engine testing facility. Describing the aero-engine as the 'heart' of an aircraft, he emphasised that reliable propulsion is foundational to leveraging advanced airframes, radars, weapons, and avionics — areas where India has made measurable gains in recent years.

Odisha's Emerging Aerospace Role

Singh highlighted Odisha's expanding footprint in the aerospace and defence sector, citing the state's strategic location, ports, mineral resources, industrial infrastructure, and skilled workforce. He also referenced the approved Aerospace and Defence Equipment Manufacturing Complex at Gajamara in Dhenkanal, and urged HAL to develop Koraput into a broader aerospace propulsion ecosystem by partnering with MSMEs, start-ups, universities, and research institutions. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Tejpal Singh were also present at the event.

What Comes Next

With the second Shakti production line targeted for completion by 2028–29 and the AMCA programme gaining momentum, the Koraput facility is set to become an increasingly central node in India's propulsion supply chain. The broader ambition — reducing dependence on foreign engine suppliers, particularly for combat aircraft — will be tested by how quickly indigenisation targets translate into certified, flight-ready hardware.