India's indigenous defence manufacturing sector is set to achieve another significant milestone as Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh marks the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Koraput Division in Odisha.

The achievement reflects nearly six decades of contribution by the facility to the nation's aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The event will also showcase HAL's plans to expand its helicopter engine manufacturing capability through the establishment of a second production line for Shakti engines. The new facility is being created with an investment of ₹218 crore and is intended to meet the growing operational requirements of India's indigenous rotary-wing aircraft fleet.

The Shakti engine serves as the powerplant for the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter, two key indigenous platforms that form an important part of the Armed Forces' aviation capabilities. The additional production capacity is expected to improve engine availability and support future fleet expansion.

HAL's Koraput Division has played a central role in India's aero-engine manufacturing and overhaul activities since its establishment in the 1960s. Over the decades, it has supported numerous military aviation platforms and developed extensive expertise in engine production, maintenance and life-cycle support.

The 2,000th aero-engine delivery represents more than a manufacturing milestone. It highlights the steady growth of India's capability in one of the most technologically demanding areas of aerospace engineering, where indigenous capacity remains strategically important for long-term self-reliance.

The expansion of Shakti engine production aligns with the Government's broader objective of transforming India from a purchaser of defence equipment into a designer, developer and manufacturer of advanced defence systems. Strengthening domestic propulsion capability is regarded as a critical element of that vision.

The development also comes as India continues to increase investment in indigenous aerospace programs and domestic supply chains, ensuring greater operational readiness for the Armed Forces while reducing dependence on overseas sources for critical technologies.

With the delivery of its 2,000th aero-engine and the launch of additional Shakti engine manufacturing capacity, HAL Koraput is reinforcing its position as one of the country's most important aerospace production centres and a key contributor to India's growing defence-industrial base.

Agencies