Bangalore, 17 October 2025: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh unveiled the plaque of LCA Mk1A & HTT-40 Assembly Complex at HAL Nashik. The new facilities mark a major milestone in enhancing India’s indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities and reaffirm the nation’s resolve for Aatmanirbharta in Defence.
Raksha Mantri stated that annual defence production, which was worth Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15, has surged to a record figure of over Rs 1.50 lakh crore in 2024-25, with exports touching an all-time high of Rs 25,000 crore from less than Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago. “We have now set a target of increasing defence manufacturing to Rs 3 lakh crore and exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029,” he added.
During inauguration of production lines in Nashik Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh hailed the LCA Mk1A flight as a shining symbol of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bahrat in defence.
He noted that India, once an importer of 65–70% of its defence equipment, now manufactures 65% of its requirements domestically — with a vision to achieve 100% self-reliance ahead.
“HAL provided support at various operational sites 24 hours a day during the operation. It ensured the Indian Air Force’s operational readiness by carrying out prompt maintenance on fighter jets and helicopters. The Nashik team performed the crucial task of installing the BrahMos missile on the Su-30, which destroyed terrorist hideouts during the operation.
This proved that when it comes to national security, we can make our own equipment and protect ourselves with it,” Raksha Mantri inaugurates 3rd Production Line of LCAMk1A & 2nd Production Line of HTT40 at HAL, Nashik.
