Tumakuru: In a major push towards strengthening India’s defence production ecosystem, Ministry of Defence Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar on Monday inaugurated the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) structure assembly line and an Automated Storage & Retrieval System (ASRS) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) New Helicopter Factory in Tumakuru.
The development marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in aerospace and defence manufacturing.
State-of-the-Art Helicopter Manufacturing Facility
The New Helicopter Factory (NHF) is a greenfield, state-of-the-art complex designed to manufacture next-generation indigenous helicopters.
Key production programmes include:
- Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)
- Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
The facility is also being developed to support future platforms such as:
- Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH)
- Deck-based Multi Role Helicopter (DBMRH)
Officials said the new assembly line will significantly enhance production efficiency and expand India’s helicopter manufacturing capability.
Read also: Hindustan Aeronautics Reports ₹32,250 Crore Revenue, Order Book Hits ₹2.54 Lakh Crore in FY 2025–26
Advanced Automation with ASRS System
A major highlight of the inauguration was the introduction of the Automated Storage & Retrieval System (ASRS).
The system is expected to:
- Improve supply chain efficiency
- Enable real-time inventory management
- Reduce production turnaround time
- Streamline logistics operations within the factory
High-Level Review of Ongoing Projects
Following the inauguration, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar held a review meeting with HAL leadership to assess project progress.
He also inspected key facilities, including:
- LUH production unit
- LCH equipping hangar
- Newly installed ASRS system
The Secretary expressed satisfaction with the pace of development and the facility’s readiness for scaling up indigenous helicopter production.
Boost to India’s Defence Self-Reliance
The Tumakuru facility is a key component of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.
The project is expected to:
- Reduce dependency on imports
- Strengthen indigenous aerospace capabilities
- Support the Indian Armed Forces
- Enhance India’s defence export potential
With advanced automation and increased production capacity, the facility positions India as a growing hub for helicopter manufacturing.
The inauguration of the Prachand LCH assembly line and ASRS system at HAL’s Tumakuru factory marks a major leap in India’s defence production ecosystem. The initiative reinforces the country’s commitment to self-reliance while strengthening its long-term aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
About HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a leading Indian aerospace and defence company engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, and related systems. As a key player in India’s defence sector, HAL plays a crucial role in supporting the armed forces and advancing indigenous aviation technologies under the vision of self-reliance.
Read also: HAL Independent Director Dr. S. D. Premkumar Resigns to Contest Tamil Nadu Elections
