Why in News ?
- Event: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated:
- Third production line of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A.
- Second production line of HTT–40 trainer aircraft at HAL Nashik facility.
- Significance: Flagged off first LCA Mk1A produced at Nashik, symbolizing India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Context: Part of ongoing defence sector transformation under PM Modi since 2014, emphasizing Make in India and indigenisation.
Relevance:
- GS-2: Governance – Defence policy implementation, Make in India, Public sector reforms.
- GS-3: Economy – Defence manufacturing, Employment generation, Strategic industrial capacity.
- GS-3: Science & Technology – Indigenous aircraft production, Technological self-reliance, Aerospace innovations.
Basics
- LCA Tejas Mk1A:
- Indigenous lightweight multirole fighter aircraft.
- Upgraded version of LCA Mk1; includes advanced avionics, radar, EW capabilities.
- Current Nashik line capacity: 8 aircraft/year, total HAL capacity with three lines: 24 aircraft/year.
- HTT-40:
- Indigenous basic trainer aircraft for IAF pilot training.
- Second production line at Nashik complements first line in Bengaluru.
- HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited): Backbone of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, integrating government, industry, and academia.
Defence Manufacturing Transformation (2014–Present)
- Import vs domestic production:
- 2014: India imported 65–70% of military hardware.
- Present: ~65% domestically manufactured. Goal: 100% self-reliance.
- Policy reforms:
- Encouraged private sector participation.
- Focus on planning, advanced technology, and innovation to reduce strategic vulnerabilities.
- Operational proof:
- HAL integrated BrahMos missile on Su-30 aircraft during Operation Sindoor, ensuring timely destruction of terrorist hideouts.
- Demonstrates India’s design, production, and deployment capabilities.
HAL Production & Expansion
- Production lines in India:
- LCA Mk1A: First two lines in Bengaluru; third in Nashik.
- HTT-40: First line in Bengaluru; second in Nashik.
- Capacity & expansion:
- Current Nashik line: 8 aircraft/year; total LCA Mk1A capacity: 24 aircraft/year.
- Planned expansion in 2 years: up to 10 aircraft/year at Nashik with additional assembly jig line, tooling, and pre-installation check facilities.
- Economic impact:
- Creation of ~1,000 jobs in Nashik.
- Development of 40+ industry partners in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
Strategic Significance
- Reduces import dependence on fighter jets, missiles, engines, and electronic warfare systems.
- Strengthens national security and operational readiness of Indian Air Force.
- Enhances Make in India initiative credibility in high-tech defence manufacturing.
- Demonstrates synergy among government, HAL, private industry, and academia.
Key Data / Facts
- LCA Mk1A production capacity: 24 aircraft/year (with three lines).
- Nashik line: 8 aircraft/year, expansion to 10/year planned.
- Jobs created: ~1,000; 40+ industry partners developed.
- India’s domestic defence manufacturing: ~65% currently, up from <35% in 2014.
- HAL key achievements: BrahMos integration on Su-30 during Operation Sindoor.
