♦ Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third production line of the HAL Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft and the second production line of the HAL HTT-40 trainer aircraft at the Nashik facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on 17 October 2025.

♦ He also flagged off the first Tejas Mk1A manufactured at the new line, hailing it as a major step toward strengthening India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

♦ He highlighted the rapid expansion of the sector, with annual defence production rising from Rs.46,429 crore in 2014–15 to over Rs.1.5 lakh crore in 2024–25, while defence exports have soared to Rs.25,000 crore from less than Rs.1,000 crore a decade ago.

♦ The government has now set a target of achieving Rs.3 lakh crore in defence manufacturing and Rs.50,000 crore in exports by 2029.

♦ Established in 1964, HAL Nashik has produced more than 900 aircraft and overhauled 1,900, making it one of India’s most significant aerospace facilities.

♦ The division continues to provide full lifecycle support for Su-30MKI aircraft and plays a pivotal role in advancing the country’s defence manufacturing ambitions.