Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has accelerated indigenisation of critical Honeywell TPE331 turboprop engine components, issuing a Request for Information (RFI) in late November 2025 to Indian manufacturers for castings, forgings, and spares powering Do-228 utility aircraft and HTT-40 trainers. This move, corroborated by reports from December 23-24, 2025, counters Honeywell supply delays—first TPE331-12B engines now due January 2026—ensuring spares for IAF’s 70+ HTT-40 order and over 100 planned, while HAL has flown prototypes TH-4001 (October 24) and TH-4002 (December 6) using refurbished units. From India’s strategic lens, it bolsters self-reliance amid geopolitical supply risks, cuts forex outflows, and empowers domestic firms in high-precision aerospace, fortifying trainer fleet readiness against squadron shortages.