India PM Narendra Modi unveiled the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter Factory at Tumakuru, Karnataka, on Monday.
Asia’s Largest Factory
The Greenfield Helicopter Factory, spread over 615 acres of land, is intended to be a “one-stop solution for all helicopter requirements” in India.
PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the factory in 2016 in his bid to reduce India’s reliance on defence imports.
The factory will initially be used to produce Light Utility Helicopters. These helicopters will be locally designed and developed. Eventually, the factory will produce Light Combat Helicopters and Indian Multirole Helicopters. It will also focus on maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations.
Speaking at inauguration of HAL manufacturing facility and other development works in Tumakuru, Karnataka. https://t.co/3EXjZG3IkB
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2023
While the initial production capability of the factory will stand at 30 helicopters per year, it will be brought up to 60 and eventually 90 in a “phased manner.”
Over a period of 20 years, HAL intends to produce 1,000 helicopters.
PM Modi’s Address
While participating in the opening ceremony, PM Modi addressed the gathering and lauded Karnataka’s talent and innovation. He highlighted that the factory would facilitate business worth Rs 400,000 crore ($48 billion).
Modi further celebrated the Indian manufacturing sector’s “strength,” which he said was exemplified by the production of indigenous drones and Tejas fighter planes. “From advanced assault rifles to tanks, aircraft carriers, helicopters, fighter jets, transport aircraft, India is manufacturing it all,” the Indian PM added.
He mentioned that India was making record-high investments to bolster its aerospace sector.
In a major thrust to #MakeInIndia in Defence, hon’ble Prime Minister Modi ji dedicates HAL helicopter factory to the nation in Tumakuru, Karnataka.#TransformingIndia #AmritKaal pic.twitter.com/22JteWnm8x
— RajyavardhanRathore (@Ra_THORe) February 6, 2023
India’s surging defence manufacturing has allowed it to not only reduce reliance on defence imports, but also increase defence exports.
During his address, he further emphasised his “Nation First” campaign, which focuses on creating opportunities in the public and private sectors.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated the “New India” vision launched by PM Modi, saying that it will cement India’s “journey to become a global hub in manufacturing.” He also applauded Modi’s role in motivating the armed forces to defend the country with “vigour and enthusiasm.”
India’s Defence Budget
The event closely follows India announcing 594,000 crore rupees ($72.6 billion) as its defence budget for 2023-2024 on 1 February — a 13% hike from the last period’s initial estimates. The 2023-2024 defence budget also saw a 6.7% increase in capital allocations for modernisation and infrastructural development of defence services, bringing the allocated funds to 162,000 crore rupees ($19.7 billion).
MOMENTOUS: A prototype of the naval version of LCA landed & took off from indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, marking a pivotal moment in India's quest for self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector. pic.twitter.com/HS7XZMC7P0
— Rahul Singh (@rahulsinghx) February 6, 2023
India is one of the largest arms importers globally, particularly given the dual threat it faces from China and Pakistan along its northern borders.
Consequently, India often has to turn to its defence allies for military equipment. Moscow is one of India’s largest and oldest suppliers.
India has been focussing on becoming self-reliant in defence production to reduce this dependence. To this end, it unveiled its first aircraft carrier in September 2002.