Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed HAL’s efforts in strengthening Aatmanir-bharta in the defence sector by building India’s largest helicopter factory. He dedicated HAL’s new helicopter factory to the nation during a function at Gubbi near Tumakuru district in Karnataka on Monday. He unveiled a Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) produced by HAL.

In his address on the occasion Mod said that from drone manufacturing to building Tejas fighter, naval carrier and transport aircraft, India is now producing everything indigenously. HAL is manufacturing Tejas for the Indian Defence Forces and is the centre of global attention. The factory will produce hundreds of helicopters and generate business to the tune of Rs 4 lakh crore besides generating direct and indirect employment boosting the regional economy, he added.

After laying the foundation stone in 2016, it was a momentous occasion to see the factory operational today, he said.  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated HAL and said that the inauguration of the Tumakuru factory is a big milestone in India’s journey towards Aatmanir-bharta. The Tumakuru factory will boost India’s defence services.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said HAL is one of the leading companies and is the pride of Karnataka. He welcomed its presence in Tumakuru. The factory will also produce Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) and undertake Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO) of helicopters in the future.