A major change is taking place to strengthen the Indian Air Force. The big factory in Nashik city, which earlier used to assemble Russian fighter planes, is now focusing on India’s own made planes. This factory has made about 1000 Russian aircraft. Now it is busy in manufacturing Tejas fighter aircraft and HTT-40 trainer aircraft. From there, the flight of indigenous Tejas LCA MK1A aircraft will be seen for the first time.
Nostalgia: Russian Aircraft Factory
Nashik This factory is India’s largest fighter aircraft manufacturing centre. It is part of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Earlier this factory used to assemble aircraft designed by the Soviet Union (now Russia). The aircraft originating from here became the strength of the Indian Air Force.
- Magic of MiG-21: This factory made 575 MiG-21 aircraft. MiG-21 is also called ‘Bison’. It was a small but fast aircraft, which frightened the enemies.
- Strengths of Su-30MKI: Apart from this, big aircraft like Su-30MKI were also added here. In total, approximately 1000 Russian-origin aircraft were manufactured from this factory.
These aircraft were received by India from abroad, but were assembled here. This strengthened India’s air force, but now times have changed. India has now made its own aircraft.
New era: introduction of indigenous aircraft
Now the Nashik factory has been given a new look. The old hangars (large warehouse-like rooms) were made clean and modern. Old equipment was removed. Now new jigs, fixtures and tools have been installed, which are for Indian designed aircraft.
- Investment arrangements: Rs 500 crore was spent on this change. The factory area is 13 lakh square feet. It is very big.
- Tejas LCA MK1A: This is India’s own fighter aircraft. It’s light, fast and slick. A new assembly line has been built in Nashik. 8 Tejas aircraft will be built here in the first year. Can be made more quickly later.
- HTT-40 Trainer: This is a basic trainer aircraft. To teach pilots to fly fighter jets. This aircraft is completely of Indian design. It is being made in both Bengaluru and Nashik, so that delivery can be done quickly.
Factory officials say that the new line is completely ready. It has more than 30 jigs to assemble the main parts of the aircraft such as the center fuselage, front fuselage, rear fuselage, wings and air intakes.
Production Capacity: How many planes will be built?
India needs more aircraft every year. Old aircraft like MiG-21 have been retired. The Air Force needs 30-40 new aircraft annually.
- Role of Nashik: 8 Tejas annually from here.
- Bengaluru Help: There are two more lines. Overall, HAL will be able to manufacture 24 aircraft annually.
- Part of Su-30: Some part of the factory is still for Su-30MKI. Orders for 15 new Su-30 will be completed soon.
This capacity can be increased. India will now be less dependent on foreign countries.
flight of self-reliance
Nashik factory is now the pride of India. First Russian jets, now indigenous Tejas. This change shows that India itself is becoming stronger. The Air Force will get new strength. Production will increase more rapidly in the coming days.
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