India's largest helicopter manufacturing plant to be inaugurated by PM Modi on February 6

In another step toward 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence, India's lagest helicopter manufacturing facility will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tumakuru, Karnataka on Monday.

The greenfield helicopter factory has been set up by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) over 615 acres of land. The facility has been designed with the goal of serving the nation's helicopter needs as a one-stop shop.

It will initially manufacture Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs), the Ministry of Defence said on Saturday. The first LUH has been flight tested and is ready for unveiling.

The LUH is a locally created, single-engine, multifunctional utility helicopter of the 3-ton class that has great maneuverability. This plant can gradually increase production from the initial 30 helicopters per year to 60 and eventually 90 helicopters per year.

To manufacture more helicopters, including Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) and Indian Multirole Helicopters (IMRHs), the plant will be expanded. In the future, it will also be utilized for LCH, LUH, civil Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and IMRH maintenance, repair, and overhaul. This plant will also be able to accommodate potential civil LUH exports.

HAL expects to manufacture more than 1,000 helicopters weighing between 3 and 15 tons over the course of 20 years, doing business to the tune of more than Rs 4 lakh crores.

In addition to creating direct and indirect jobs, the Tumakuru plant will contribute to the growth of the local community through its CSR initiatives, in which the corporation will invest a sizable amount of money. All of these will make life better for those who reside in the area.

The factory's proximity to the existing HAL facilities in Bengaluru would strengthen the area's aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and enable the construction of necessary infrastructure, including schools, colleges, and housing. Additionally, the population dwelling in the several adjacent panchayats would have access to medical and health services.

The plant is now fully operational with the construction of various facilities, including the heli-runway, flight hangar, final assembly hangar, structure assembly hangar, air traffic control tower, and many other associated service facilities. Modern Industry 4.0 best practices tools and procedures are being installed in this factory for its operations.

Prime Minister Modi had laid the factory's foundation stone in 2016. The Prime Minister's goal of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" in helicopter design, development, and production will receive much-needed support from this plant, which will allow India to satisfy its complete need for helicopters without importing.