Bengaluru: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said the new production lines launched by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) mark a major milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Bengaluru, Singh said the move underscores the government’s commitment to building an indigenous defence ecosystem capable of meeting the country’s security needs without heavy dependence on foreign suppliers.
“These new HAL production lines are not just about manufacturing aircraft or systems — they represent India’s growing capability and confidence in designing, developing, and producing advanced defence platforms,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister added that HAL’s enhanced capacity will accelerate production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, helicopters, and other critical systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy.
“India is no longer just a buyer of defence equipment. We are becoming a global supplier. HAL’s achievement reflects the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in its true sense,” he noted.
Officials said the new facilities will boost efficiency, reduce production timelines, and create new employment opportunities in the aerospace sector.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director C.B. Ananthakrishnan said the expansion would enable faster delivery of advanced platforms to the armed forces and strengthen India’s export potential in defence aviation.
The new production lines are part of India’s broader effort to modernize its defence manufacturing base under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, with a focus on high-tech aerospace technologies and partnerships with private and foreign firms.
Rajnath Singh concluded by saying that the initiative would not only enhance India’s national security but also position the country as a global defence hub in the coming years.