India to boost fighter, helicopter engine production with new HAL capacity

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will increase its annual production capacity for Su-30MKI fighter engines from 30 to 50 and set up a second Shakti engine production line for indigenous helicopters, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Tuesday.Singh made the announcement at HAL’s Koraput Division in Odisha, where he witnessed the delivery of its 2,000th aero-engine.The capacity expansion for AL-31FP engines, which power the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet, will cost Rs 335 crore. The new Shakti line will cost Rs 218 crore and produce up to 100 engines a year once fully established by 2028-29.Shakti engines power helicopters including the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter. THE SU-30MKI ENGINE ORDERThe government placed an order for 240 AL-31FP engines with HAL in 2024. Singh said the company delivered the first engine ahead of schedule despite supply-chain disruptions and raw-material challenges.HAL has delivered 63 engines against a target of 60 by the end of the second year, he said. Established in 1964, the Koraput Division has manufactured engines for the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI. It has also overhauled more than 9,000 engines, extending their service life.PUSH FOR INDIGENOUS ENGINESSingh said India needed its own aero-engine design, manufacturing, testing and maintenance capabilities, particularly for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.He highlighted a proposed investment of around Rs 5,000 crore, plans for India’s first indigenous high-thrust engine testing facility and work with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) to develop raw materials domestically.Describing the engine as the “heart” of an aircraft, Singh said reliable propulsion was essential for advanced aircraft systems to function effectively.He called for sustained investment in engine development, specialised testing and critical materials, along with greater participation by private companies, MSMEs and research institutions.- Ends