Bengaluru: In a significant boost to India’s defence manufacturing sector, the first rear fuselage for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by an Indian private company, was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) here on Sunday.
The milestone event took place at HAL’s Aircraft Division in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath hailed the development as a crucial step towards achieving Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence and strengthening public-private partnerships. “This ceremony marks India’s growing capability in indigenous defence manufacturing. With HAL at the helm and the private sector playing a critical role, we are witnessing a new era in aerospace production,” he said.
The rear fuselage, a key structural component that supports the aircraft’s tail section, was manufactured by Alpha Tocol Engineering Services Private Ltd, a Bengaluru-based private industry partner. HAL has already built 12 rear fuselages for the LCA Mk1A, and this private sector involvement is expected to enhance production capacity and meet delivery commitments for the Indian Air Force (IAF) from 2025-26 onwards.
Rajnath praised the collaborative efforts of HAL and private sector giants such as L&T, Tata Advanced Systems, VEM Technologies, and Lakshmi Mission Works, all of whom have been entrusted with supplying major modules for the 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft contracted for the IAF. He metaphorically described HAL as the “fuselage” of India’s defence sector, with private companies acting as its supporting “rear fuselage,” ensuring structural strength and growth.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the armed forces, the Raksha Mantri credited India’s air warriors for their bravery and acknowledged the role of indigenous manufacturing in equipping them with cutting-edge technology. “Our air warriors safeguard the nation with unparalleled dedication. The advanced equipment produced by Indian companies is further empowering them in this mission,” he stated.
The event was attended by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Member of Parliament Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi, HAL CMD Dr DK Sunil, CEO & Director of Alpha Tocol Wing Commander Baran Sen (Retd), along with senior officials from VEM Technologies, Larsen & Toubro, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, and Lakshmi Mission Works.
With this development, India moves closer to self-reliance in aerospace and defence manufacturing, further strengthening its strategic capabilities and fostering innovation in the private sector.
UNI
