From 2,000 engines to indigenous propulsion: HAL’s long aero-engine journey

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) reached an important milestone in India’s aerospace journey on October 6. HAL delivered its 2,000th aero-engine from its Koraput Division in Odisha.

New Delhi: On 6 October 2026, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) reached an important milestone in India’s aerospace journey. HAL delivered its 2,000th aero-engine from its Koraput Division in Odisha. The achievement reflects nearly six decades of engine manufacturing, repair and overhaul, and the gradual development of technical expertise. At the same event, HAL announced a second production line for Shakti engines, with an investment of ₹218 crore, to increase production for indigenous helicopters such as the Dhruv and Prachand.

The 2,000th engine milestone reflects how HAL’s engine capabilities have grown over the years From manufacturing foreign-designed engines under licence and learning to maintain and overhaul them, HAL went on to increase the indigenous content and eventually taking up the design and development of its own engines.

Koraput: From MiG-21 Engines to 2,000 Engines

HAL’s Koraput Engine Division was established in April 1964 to manufacture the R-11F2/F2S turbojet for the MiG-21FL. The facility subsequently expanded into production of the R-25 engine for the MiG-21BIS and the R-29B for the MiG-27M. It also developed overhaul capabilities for the R-11, R-25, R-29B and RD-33 engines. From 2007–08, the........

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