On March 9, 2025, the first rear fuselage for the Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A, manufactured by the Indian private company Alpha Tocol Engineering Services Private Ltd, was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The ceremony was attended by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, who praised the event as a significant step in India’s defense manufacturing journey. He highlighted that this delivery marked India’s progress towards self-reliance in defense and emphasized the government’s dedication to strengthening public-private partnerships.
In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh applauded both HAL and the private sector for their continued efforts in enhancing the Armed Forces with the latest platforms and technologies. He noted that HAL’s integrated approach is not only strengthening the military but also fostering new avenues for manufacturing and research and development through collaborations with private companies.
The fuselage is the central body section of an aircraft that houses the pilot, passengers, and cargo, while the rear fuselage supports the tail and its components. Shri Rajnath Singh referred to HAL as the “fuselage” of India’s defense and aerospace sector, with private companies such as L&T, Alpha Tocol, Tata Advanced Systems, and VEM Technologies playing key roles in supporting HAL. “With these Indian-made components, the aircraft being produced in our defense and aerospace industry will achieve new heights in the future,” he stated.
Shri Rajnath Singh also praised the courage and commitment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel, as well as the equipment being manufactured by both public and private sectors, which enhances the strength of the IAF. “While our brave air warriors have made an invaluable contribution, the equipment being made domestically adds significant strength to their efforts in safeguarding our borders,” he remarked. He expressed confidence that both HAL and the private sector will continue to overcome challenges and support the Armed Forces.
As part of the 83 LCA Mk1A contract, HAL has placed orders with several Indian private companies, including L&T, Alpha Tocol Engineering Services, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), VEM Technologies, and Lakshmi Mission Works (LMW), for supplying major components. HAL has already produced 12 LCA Mk1A rear fuselages, which are being assembled onto the aircraft currently in production. With this new supply, a crucial structural module from an Indian private partner will be integrated into the LCA Mk1A, helping HAL meet its additional delivery commitments to the IAF starting from 2025-26.
The ceremony was also attended by key figures such as Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, MP Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi, CMD of HAL Dr DK Sunil, CEO and Director of Alpha Tocol Engineering Services Wing Commander Baran Sen (Retd.), CMD of VEM Technologies Shri V. Venkataraju, Senior VP of Larsen & Toubro Shri Arun T. Ramchandani, VP of TASL Mr Ganesh Raghavan, President of LMW-ATC Shri Krishna Kumar, and other senior officials.
