India's defense manufacturing sector marked a significant milestone as Alpha Tocol Engineering Services Private Ltd handed over the first rear fuselage for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 9, 2025. The handover ceremony took place at HAL’s Aircraft Division in Bengaluru, Karnataka, in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.
In his address, Raksha Mantri described the event as a historic step toward self-reliance in defense production. He commended HAL and private sector firms for their contributions in equipping the Armed Forces with advanced platforms and technologies. He further emphasized the increasing role of public-private partnerships in India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.
The rear fuselage, a crucial structural component supporting the aircraft’s tail section, has been produced as part of HAL’s contract with private Indian companies. HAL has partnered with firms such as L&T, Tata Advanced Systems, VEM Technologies, and Lakshmi Mission Works to meet the production requirements of the 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force.
With 12 LCA Mk1A rear fuselages already produced in HAL’s assembly line, this handover marks the first time a major structural module manufactured by a private Indian company will be integrated into the aircraft. This partnership will help HAL meet its commitment to deliver additional aircraft to the Indian Air Force starting in 2025-26.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, HAL CMD Dr. DK Sunil, and key representatives from private defense firms.
