Bengaluru: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into strategic partnerships with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) and Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) for manufacturing fuselage structures for the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
Under the agreements, BEML will manufacture 48 fuselage structures, while Adani Defence will manufacture 42, taking the total to 90 fuselage structures.
The partnerships mark an important step towards expanding India’s indigenous helicopter manufacturing ecosystem and integrating private industry into the production of critical helicopter structures.
HAL Partners with BEML and Adani Defence
The agreements were signed by Mr. Tushar Ranjan Behera, General Manager, Helicopter Division, HAL.
He signed the agreement with Cmde (Retd.) R. G. K. Rao, Executive Director, Aerospace & Maritime, BEML, and Mr. Prasanna Karthik, Vice President, ADSTL, in the presence of senior leadership from HAL, BEML and Adani Defence.
The collaboration will add new production capacity to the Prachand LCH programme while expanding the participation of Indian industry in defence manufacturing.
90 Prachand LCH Fuselage Structures to Be Manufactured
As part of the partnership:
- BEML: 48 fuselage structures
- Adani Defence: 42 fuselage structures
- Total: 90 fuselage structures
The integration of private-sector capabilities into helicopter fuselage production is expected to expand the domestic manufacturing base and strengthen the supply chain for the LCH programme.
Private Industry Integrated into Helicopter Fuselage Production
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Ravi K said the partnership represents a significant step in strengthening India’s aerospace ecosystem.
For the first time, private industry is being integrated into the production of helicopter fuselage structures, according to HAL.
The company expects the collaboration to:
- Expand manufacturing capacity.
- Strengthen the domestic aerospace supply chain.
- Increase indigenous production capabilities.
- Support timely delivery of helicopters to the Indian Armed Forces.
- Create opportunities for Indian MSMEs and component manufacturers.
HAL Expands Prachand LCH Production Capacity
HAL has already commenced production of 156 Prachand LCHs ordered for the Indian Armed Forces at its new helicopter manufacturing facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka. The company has augmented production capacity to support the programme. The establishment of two additional production lines through the expanded industrial base is expected to further increase overall manufacturing capacity and help ensure timely deliveries to the armed forces.
New Opportunities for Indian MSMEs and Aerospace Suppliers
The expansion of the LCH production ecosystem is also expected to create opportunities for a wider network of Indian MSMEs, component manufacturers and aerospace suppliers. Greater participation from domestic companies can help develop specialised manufacturing capabilities and strengthen India’s indigenous aerospace supply chain.
The initiative is aligned with the broader objective of increasing domestic participation in defence production and reducing dependence on external supply chains.
Prachand LCH Programme Strengthens Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The Prachand Light Combat Helicopter is an indigenous helicopter programme being manufactured by HAL for India’s Armed Forces. The latest partnerships with BEML and Adani Defence represent a move towards creating a broader industrial base around the programme.
By distributing fuselage manufacturing across additional Indian production partners, HAL aims to increase capacity while supporting the development of a stronger domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
About HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a leading Indian aerospace and defence company and a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Defence. Headquartered in Bengaluru, HAL is involved in the design, development, manufacture, repair and overhaul of a wide range of aircraft, helicopters, aero-engines and related aerospace systems.
About BEML
BEML Ltd is a state-owned engineering and manufacturing company under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The company manufactures a range of products and equipment for the defence and aerospace, mining and construction, and rail and metro sectors. BEML operates manufacturing facilities and provides engineering solutions for various strategic and infrastructure requirements.
Read also: BEML Secures ₹184.25 Crore HAL Order to Manufacture LCH Fuselage Aerostructures
