defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for providing round-the-clock maintenance support to the Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter fleet at crucial frontline sites during Operation Sindoor, characterizing the company as the backbone of India’s defense sector.
The award was given during the opening of two new manufacturing units at HAL’s production division in Nashik, one for the TEJAS MK-1A and the other for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft.
Singh emphasized that the four-day military confrontation tested India’s whole security infrastructure at the same time. HAL’s consistent support across many operating sites ensured the IAF’s combat preparedness by performing timely maintenance on fighter planes and helicopters throughout the operation.
In Nashik, the Defence Minister praised HAL’s successful integration of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters. These aircraft performed an important role in demolishing terrorist hideouts throughout the operation, demonstrating India’s ability to build and deploy indigenous defense equipment efficiently.
Addressing the broader challenge of strategic autonomy, Singh stated that India’s defense production is currently 65% self-sufficient and voiced a strong desire to increase this to 100% to reduce risks generated by reliance on foreign military supply. The new manufacturing lines in Nashik are intended to let HAL produce at least 24 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft per year, strengthening the Air Force’s indigenous fighter fleet.
DK Sunil, HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, emphasized that the Nashik division’s improved capacity not only comprises indigenous advanced fighters but also maintains manufacturing momentum for Sukhoi Su-30MKI planes, hence improving delivery timelines and total production capabilities.
The Defence Minister also observed the first flight of a TEJAS MK-1A aircraft built at the Nashik factory, which he described as a brilliant example of India’s growing defense self-reliance.
He reminded that when the present government took office in 2014, India had issues such as insufficient defence readiness and excessive import dependency. The government’s targeted reforms and policy improvements have since reduced dependency on imports while increasing local production through greater public-private partnerships and sector cooperation.
Singh cited the success of Operation Sindoor and the capabilities displayed by HAL as evidence of India’s progress toward self-reliance, which included fighter aircraft, missiles, engines and electronic warfare equipment.
HAL’s Nashik division, which was founded in 1964, has manufactured over 900 aircraft and overhauled approximately 1,900, playing an important role in establishing India’s defense manufacturing environment.
In conclusion, Singh emphasized that such collaborative efforts between government agencies, defense industry, and academics are critical to meeting future security demands, emphasizing that no obstacle is insurmountable when all stakeholders work together to achieve a common vision for national security.
This emphasizes India’s continuous transition in defence production, with HAL leading the way as a vital enabler of the country’s military readiness and indigenous capabilities development.
