Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has joined hands with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited and BEML to manufacture fuselage structures for the indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), as the defence major moves to expand production capacity for the attack helicopter.
The agreements mark the first time private industry has been brought into helicopter fuselage production in India and are aimed at strengthening the country's domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
Under the arrangement, BEML will manufacture 48 fuselage structures, while Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) will produce another 42 for the Prachand programme.
The agreements were signed by Tushar Ranjan Behera, General Manager of HAL's Helicopter Division, Commodore (Retd) RGK Rao, Executive Director (Aerospace & Maritime) at BEML, and Prasanna Karthik, Vice President of Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K described the partnership as an important milestone for the country's aerospace sector, particularly because of the participation of private industry in helicopter fuselage manufacturing.
HAL expects the arrangement to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen its domestic supply chain and deepen indigenous capabilities in aerospace production.
The move assumes significance as the company scales up manufacturing to execute an order for 156 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters for the Indian Armed Forces.
Production has already begun at HAL's new helicopter manufacturing facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka, which has been developed to support large-scale production of the combat helicopter.
The addition of two production lines through the partnerships with Adani Defence and BEML is expected to raise overall capacity and help HAL meet delivery schedules for the Army and the Indian Air Force.
The expanded manufacturing network is also expected to generate opportunities for Indian micro, small and medium enterprises, component manufacturers and other aerospace suppliers.
HAL expects the initiative to help create specialised manufacturing capabilities within India while reducing reliance on overseas suppliers for critical components and structures.
The partnership comes amid a broader push to increase private-sector participation in defence production and develop a deeper domestic supply chain for military platforms.
Prachand is India's indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter and has been designed for combat operations across varied terrain, including high-altitude regions.
The helicopter is intended to perform several roles, including destruction of enemy air defences, counter-insurgency operations, search and rescue and operations against slow-moving aircraft and remotely piloted platforms.
The expansion of its production ecosystem is part of India's wider effort to increase self-reliance in defence manufacturing and build domestic capacity for sophisticated military aviation platforms.