HAL LCH Production Line: On April 13, 2026, a new step was taken at HAL’s helicopter factory in Tumakuru, Karnataka. Shri Sanjeev Kumar, who is Secretary (Defence Production) in the Ministry of Defence, opened the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter structure assembly line and also the Automated Storage & Retrieval System, known as ASRS. The event was part of a bigger effort to make India stronger in its own defence manufacturing.
At the ceremony, Dr. D. K. Sunil, the Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, was present. Ms Manisha Chandra, Joint Secretary (Aero), was also there with senior officials from HAL and the Ministry of Defence. Reports on April 13 said the new line is meant to improve helicopter production at the factory.
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Factory Made for India’s Future Helicopters
HAL’s New Helicopter Factory in Tumakuru is a modern greenfield facility. In simple words, it is a newly built plant made for helicopter production from the ground up. The factory is mainly meant for building the Light Utility Helicopter, or LUH, and the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter, or LCH. But the plan is bigger than just these two.
The same facility is also being prepared to support future helicopter projects like the Indian Multi Role Helicopter and the Deck-based Multi Role Helicopter. Because of that, this factory is being seen as an important place for India’s next generation helicopter plans.
The opening of the new LCH structure assembly line and the ASRS is important because it can make work faster and smoother inside the factory. The assembly line will help in building helicopter structures in a more organised way. The ASRS is meant to improve storage and movement of parts inside the plant. That can help with logistics, save time, and support better handling of materials needed during production.
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Review Meeting
During the visit, Sanjeev Kumar also held a review meeting with HAL leaders to check how current projects are moving. Reports said he was satisfied with the speed at which the facility has developed and with its readiness to raise production of indigenous helicopters. He also visited the dedicated LUH production facility, the LCH equipping hangar, and the ASRS during the tour.
