Nashik, renowned as India's wine capital, is poised to become the nation's new aircraft manufacturing hub, shifting focus from its wine industry to the aerospace sector. Bengaluru-based state-owned plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to activate fresh production lines in Nashik for the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) planes. These initiatives are aimed at meeting the Indian Air Force's escalating demands for fighter jets and basic trainers, according to senior officials familiar with the matter.

HAL is in the process of establishing new production lines specifically for the LCA Mk-1A and HTT-40 planes. The creation of a dedicated facility for Mk-1As will enable HAL to expedite deliveries of the 83 fighters ordered by the Indian Air Force for Rs 48,000 crore in February 2021, moving the timeline up by at least a year. This announcement followed the Indian Air Force's plans, revealed by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, to procure an additional 97 LCA Mk-1As at an estimated cost of Rs 67,000 crore.

HAL currently has the capacity to manufacture 16 LCA Mk-1As annually in Bengaluru. The Nashik facility will bolster production, allowing the company to deliver a total of 24 jets per year. The first Mk-1A is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Air Force in February 2024, with the remaining 82 aircraft expected to be delivered by 2028, a year ahead of the contracted delivery schedule.

Nashik's aircraft manufacturing division, established in 1964, has a rich history of producing MiG variants and Su-30s under license. The new Mk-1A production line is being set up swiftly, with the first assembly expected to take place in December 2024. The surrounding Nashik area boasts a robust ecosystem of micro, small, and medium enterprises that will be actively involved in the production of LCA Mk-1As, especially in supplying essential structural components.

The Indian Air Force's decision to order an additional 97 LCA Mk-1As reflects its confidence in HAL's ability to meet orders within the stipulated timeframe. While specific improvements for the next batch of 97 aircraft have not been detailed yet, HAL is open to incorporating enhancements based on the Air Force's requirements and technical discussions.

In addition to the LCA Mk-1As, Nashik will also start producing basic trainers in 2025-26. These developments mark a significant stride in the Indian aerospace industry, positioning the LCA as a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force's combat power for the next decade and beyond.

Source: Hindustan Times