The
Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi dedicated HAL's New Helicopter Factory to the
nation at a function at Gubbi (Tumakuru) on 6 February 2023. Speaking on the
occasion, he hailed HAL's efforts in strengthening 'Aatmanirbharta' in the
defence sector by building India's largest helicopter factory. From drone
manufacturing to building Tejas fighter, naval carrier and transport aircraft,
India is now producing everything indigenously, he said. HAL is manufacturing
Tejas for the Indian Defence Forces and is the centre of global attraction. The
factory will produce hundreds of helicopters and generate business to the tune
of rupees four lakh crores besides generating direct and indirect employment
boosting the regional economy, he added. The PM said that after laying the
foundation stone in 2016, it was a momentous occasion to see the factory
operational.
He
unveiled a Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) produced by HAL.
The
Defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh congratulated HAL and said that the
inauguration of the Tumakuru factory was a big milestone in India's journey
towards 'Aatmanirbharta'. The Tumakuru factory would boost India's defence
services.
The
Chief Minister Mr Basavaraj Bommai said HAL was one of the leading companies
and pride of Karnataka.
The
Tumakuru factory will become a one-stop solution for all helicopter
requirements of the country. With the establishment of facilities like
Heli-Runway, Flight Hangar, Final Assembly Hangar, Structure Assembly Hangar,
Air Traffic Control (ATC) and various supporting service facilities, the
factory is fully operational. This factory is being equipped with
state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 standard tools and techniques for its operations.
The
Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), initially being built in this factory is an
indigenously designed and developed 3-ton class, single engine multipurpose
utility helicopter with unique feature of high manoeuvrability. Initially, this
factory will produce around 30 helicopters per year, and it can be enhanced to
60 and then 90 helicopters per year in a phased manner.
The
factory will also produce Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) and undertake
Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO) of helicopters in the future.
