Rajnath Singh to mark HAL Koraput's 2,000th aero-engine delivery
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits Odisha to mark HAL Koraput's delivery of its 2,000th aero-engine and the launch of a new Shakti engine line.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit Odisha this Tuesday to celebrate a monumental milestone in India's aerospace journey. He will inaugurate a special event marking the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Koraput Division.
This achievement highlights nearly sixty years of dedicated service by the Koraput unit, significantly bolstering India's defence manufacturing capabilities and ensuring the operational readiness of the nation's Armed Forces.
Expansion of Shakti Engine Production
The ceremony is not just a celebration of past achievements but also a look toward the future of indigenous manufacturing. A major highlight of the event will be the announcement regarding the establishment of a second production line for Shakti engines.
Backed by an investment of ₹218 crore, this expansion aims to meet the surging demand for indigenous helicopter platforms. The increased capacity will specifically support critical aircraft such as:
- Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter
- Prachand Light Combat Helicopter
Building domestic aero-engine capabilities remains a cornerstone of the Government's strategic vision. The goal is to transition India from a mere purchaser of global defence equipment into a sophisticated designer, developer, and manufacturer of complex defence systems.
High-Profile Attendees in Odisha
The event will see a gathering of top officials and leaders, including:
- Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha
- Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production)
- Ravi K, CMD of HAL
The delivery of these propulsion systems is considered a vital step in mastering the technological complexities required for modern warfare and strategic autonomy.
Digital Cleanliness and Defence Auditing
In a related development, Rajnath Singh recently marked the 279th Defence Accounts Department Day by launching the integration of the Indian Army Financial Information System (IAFIS) with the SAKSHAM platform.
During his address, the Defence Minister noted that the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) has become the second-largest auditor in the country, following the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). Drawing a comparison to the national Swachhata Abhiyan (cleanliness drive), Singh urged the department to initiate a similar drive for its digital data, ensuring that information remains "clean," accurate, and well-maintained.