In a significant boost to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, Alpha Tocol Engineering Services handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) the first rear fuselage for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by the Indian private sector. The ceremony, held at HAL’s Aircraft Division in Bengaluru, was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who lauded the event as a key milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence production.
Addressing the gathering, Singh emphasized that the event symbolized the country’s progress towards Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence and underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships. He described HAL as the “fuselage” of India’s defence and aerospace sector, with private industry partners such as L&T, Alpha Tocol, Tata Advanced Systems, and VEM Technologies playing a crucial supporting role.
“With these Indian components, our defence and aerospace industry will soar to greater heights in the future,” he stated.
The first rear fuselage for LCA Mk1A, produced by Alpha Tocol, a private defence manufacturer, was handed over to HAL in Bengaluru in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh. HAL has partnered with L&T, Alpha Tocol, Tata Advanced Systems, VEM Technologies & LMW for major… pic.twitter.com/XnOrGvXvNl
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) March 9, 2025
A fuselage forms the main body of an aircraft, housing the pilot, passengers, and cargo, while the rear fuselage supports the tail section and its associated components. The handover marks a step forward in integrating private industry into the supply chain for India’s indigenous fighter jet program.
Singh commended HAL and its private sector collaborators for continuously enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces with cutting-edge platforms and technologies. He highlighted HAL’s integrated approach to manufacturing and research and development (R&D), which has paved the way for greater private sector participation.
“The bravery and dedication of our air warriors, coupled with indigenously manufactured equipment, are strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF). I am confident that HAL and the private sector will continue to rise to the challenge and contribute significantly to national security,” Singh remarked.
HAL has placed orders with several Indian private firms, including L&T, Alpha Tocol Engineering Services, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), VEM Technologies, and Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW), for the supply of major modules as part of the contract to manufacture 83 LCA Mk1A jets.
According to HAL, it has already produced 12 rear fuselage assemblies for the LCA Mk1A, which are currently in the manufacturing pipeline. With the latest supply from the private sector, HAL aims to accelerate production and meet the IAF’s additional delivery commitments from 2025-26 onwards.
The development is a testament to the growing role of India’s private sector in defence manufacturing and its ability to contribute to the nation’s aerospace ambitions.
Team BharatShakti
