On October 17, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third production line of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A and the second line for the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik facility, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities. In his address, Singh emphasized the transformation of India’s defense sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, highlighting the shift from 65-70% import dependency to now producing 65% of military hardware domestically. The government’s goal is to achieve complete self-reliance by 2029, with an aim to increase defense production from Rs 1.50 lakh crore to Rs 3 lakh crore and exports from Rs 25,000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore. The inauguration symbolizes India’s growing technological confidence and industrial strength, with HAL playing a crucial role in the nation’s defense ecosystem. The Nashik complex has a rich legacy, having produced over 900 aircraft, and the establishment of these new production lines is set to boost employment and strengthen public-private partnerships in the defense sector. This development underscores India’s commitment to indigenous production and innovation, crucial for maintaining strategic autonomy amidst changing global defense dynamics.