According to Alpha Defense on X.com, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received four competitive bids for the construction of a 20,000-ton Isothermal Forging Press Facility, a crucial development for enhancing India’s domestic aero-engine and defense production capabilities.
HAL plans to build a 20,000-ton isothermal forging facility in October 2025, as previously reported by IDN.
This facility, which makes it possible to produce complicated components from high-temperature alloys necessary for next-generation aircraft engines, is a strategic step towards self-reliance. The program fills important gaps in heavy forging for crucial sectors and is in line with the ‘Make in India’ movement.
For titanium and nickel-based superalloys, isothermal forging minimizes deformation stresses and produces near-net-shaped parts with exceptional precision by keeping the workpiece and die at consistent high temperatures.
With a 20,000-ton capacity, India is among the top players in the world, significantly outperforming current domestic presses like the 2,000-ton DRDO unit or the 6,000-ton MIDHANI plant. In order to reduce reliance on imports, such presses are essential for high-pressure compressor discs in engines that power fighters like the Jaguar and Hawk.
The biggest forging company in India, Bharat Forge, has a wealth of defense experience, having moved from artillery like ATAGS to integrated systems with AI-driven diagnostics.
It is well-positioned for this high-precision isothermal project thanks to its sophisticated presses, condition monitoring, and worldwide supply chain. The Pune-based company has made more than ten years of investments in defense innovation, including vital parts for turrets and armored vehicles.
With presses up to 12,500 tons, including warm forging lines, Ramakrishna Forgings excels in heavy forgings. With recent extensions, the company’s installed capacity exceeds 2,40,000 MTPA.
Although isothermal knowledge is still little documented, recent contracts valued at over ₹2,000 crores highlight its scalability for defense applications. Aero-structural requirements are met by its automated ring rolling and upsetter capabilities.
Under the Ministry of Defence, MIDHANI, a defense PSU, runs the largest 6,000-ton isothermal press in India. It uses DRDO-transferred technology to create aero-engine discs in titanium and superalloys. It has demonstrated smooth integration with aviation chains by providing HAL with more than 200 high-pressure compressor discs for Adour engines. MIDHANI is a strong candidate to scale to 20,000 tons because of its lineage.
With its new ₹1,000-crore titanium and superalloy complex in Uttar Pradesh, which includes integrated forging, casting, and machining for aero-engines, PTC Industries stands out.
It targets Rafale components and has significant export potential, supplying to big international manufacturers including Safran and Dassault as well as BAE’s M777 howitzers. Bids for precision forging are improved by its emphasis on powder metallurgy and single-crystal castings.
HAL’s earlier Request for Information, which calls for submissions by November 2025, foreshadows a thorough review. Technical expertise, financial stability, and a commitment to indigenization—possibly through partnerships—will be given top priority during the selection process. The winner could assist initiatives like TEJAS and Su-30MKI upgrades, revolutionizing India’s aero-engine ecosystem.
This competition accelerates Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s strategic manufacturing by fostering private-PSU cooperation. National security will be strengthened by operationalization, which promises shorter lead times and lower prices for crucial forgings. The results could encourage additional expenditures in downstream machining and upstream alloy manufacture.
