Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plant in Nashik on Friday to launch new production lines for India’s own fighter and trainer jets. He highlighted the country’s rapid move to make its own defence equipment instead of buying it from abroad.
India’s defence industry is now 65 % domestic, plans for 100 % soon
“Back in the day we imported 65‑70 % of our weapons and aircraft,” Singh told the crowd. “Today we make 65 % on Indian soil and will reach 100 % manufacturing in the near future.”
The minister opened a new Tejas Mk1A line and a second Hingravan Turbo Trainer‑40 (HTT‑40) line. He praised the progress made over the past decade in missile, engine and electronic‑warfare production.
Self‑reliance drives growth in Indian defence exports
“Our defence exports used to be under Rs 1 000 crore,” he said. “Now they hit a record Rs 25,000 crore, and we aim for Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.”
Singh compared 2014‑15 to 2024‑25 production values. “In 2014‑15 we produced worth Rs 46,429 crore. By 2024‑25 that figure is over Rs 146,000 crore,” he noted, saying it proves India’s self‑reliance is real and growing.
The minister stressed that the success of the Tejas and HTT‑40 programs comes from strong cooperation between government, industry and academia. “When these three work together, no challenge is too big,” he said.
He urged India to expand beyond combat aircraft into next‑generation aircraft, unmanned systems and civil aviation. “HAL Nashik will play a leading role,” he added, promising new jobs and training for local youth.
Building India’s future in aerospace and defence
Singh highlighted the importance of advanced technologies—AI, cyber‑warfare, drones and new aircraft—shaping tomorrow’s battles. He said India must stay ahead on all fronts.
The minister concluded that high‑tech defence is “not just about machines, it’s about our thinking, capability and confidence.” He emphasized India’s growing role in space and aerospace under the “Make in India” initiative, reinforcing the country’s ambition to lead in modern warfare.
Key points:
- India has moved from 65‑70 % imported defence gear to 65 % domestic production, aiming for 100 %.
- Defence exports increased from under Rs 1 000 crore to Rs 25,000 crore, with a target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.
- Domestic production rose from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014‑15 to over Rs 146,000 crore in 2024‑25.
- New Tejas Mk1A and HTT‑40 lines at HAL Nashik symbolize collaboration and growth.
- The focus is expanding into next‑generation aircraft, unmanned systems, and civil aviation, creating new jobs and training opportunities.
Source: ianslive
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