Alpha Tocol Engineering Services, a private Indian company, delivered the first rear fuselage for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS MK-1A to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore, marking a major turning point for the country’s defence manufacturing industry.
Attending the ceremony was defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who said the occasion demonstrated India’s advancement towards Atmanirbhar, or defence self-reliance, and the government’s dedication to strengthening public-private partnerships.
Rajnath Singh praised HAL and the business sector for working together to provide the military with advanced technology. He pointed out that by collaborating with the business sector, HAL’s integrated strategy is expanding manufacturing and research and development (R&D) opportunities while simultaneously enhancing military power.
To supply key modules for the 83 TEJAS MK-1A contract, the HAL has placed orders with a number of Indian private companies, including L&T, Alpha Tocol Engineering Services, TATA Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), VEM Technologies, and Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW).
A crucial structural element supporting the aircraft’s tail section, the rear fuselage represents a major advancement in the integration of private sector into India’s domestic fighter jet program. With the help of the private sector, HAL hopes to increase manufacturing capacity and fulfil further delivery commitments for the Indian Air Force (IAF) starting in 2025–2026. HAL has already built 12 TEJAS MK-1A rear fuselages.
The IAF’s increasing might was attributed by the defence minister to the valour of air warriors and locally produced weaponry. He conveyed his belief that HAL and the private sector will keep overcoming obstacles and fortifying the military.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and officials from significant private sector organisations involved in the project were among the dignitaries who attended the event.
