In what has been hailed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as a “milestone in the historic journey of India’s defence manufacturing,” the first rear fuselage for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A, produced by private firm Alpha Tocol Engineering Services Private Ltd, was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
A fuselage is the main body section of the aircraft which holds the pilot, passengers and cargo, while the rear fuselage supports the tail section and its associated components.
Visited the HAL Aircraft Division in Bengaluru today. The first rear fuselage for Light Combat Aircraft Mk1A was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This is a testimony to India’s progress towards Aatmanirbharta in defence and the Government’s commitment towards… pic.twitter.com/bOrxtoZfqF
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 9, 2025
HAL has already manufactured 12 LCA MK1A rear fuselages, which are on the aircraft in the manufacturing line. With this supply by Alpha, a major structure module produced by a private partner will be integrated into the fighter aircraft, enabling HAL to meet additional delivery commitments for the Indian Air Force (IAF) from 2025-26.
Singh, in whose presence the rear fuselage was delivered to HAL, said this is a testimony to India’s progress towards self-reliance in defence and the Centre's commitment towards enhanced public-private partnership.
The defence minister praised HAL and the private sector for constantly strengthening the armed forces with the latest platforms and technologies. He observed that HAL, through its integrated model and strategies, is not only bolstering the strength of soldiers but is also opening new dimensions of manufacturing and R&D by collaborating with the private sector.
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He described HAL as the fuselage of the country’s defence and aerospace sector, with private companies like L&T, Alpha Tocol, Tata Advanced Systems and VEM Technologies playing the role of rear fuselage, supporting HAL. “Together with these Indian components, the aircraft which is being manufactured in our defence and aerospace sector will reach greater heights in the times to come.”
He noted that the bravery and dedication of the air warriors and the equipment being manufactured by the Indian public and private sectors are responsible for the ever-growing strength of the IAF. “While our courageous air warriors have made an invaluable contribution, the equipment being manufactured indigenously is providing them the added strength, with which they protect our borders,” he said.
HAL had placed orders on various Indian private companies such as L&T, Alpha Tocol Engineering Services, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, VEM Technologies and Lakshmi Mission Works for major modules for the 83 LCA Mk1A contract.
