PM Modi to inaugurate helicopter factory in Karnataka on Feb

On February 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open a helicopter facility owned by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the Tumakuru region of Karnataka, in an effort to strengthen India's defence industry. The inauguration event will be attended by key defence ministry officials, including Rajnath Singh, according to news source PTI. The G20 event known as India Energy Week will also be launched by PM Modi while he is in Karnataka from February 6 to February 8. He will formally start construction on the Jal Jeevan Mission projects in Tiptur and Chikkanayakanahalli.

What you need to know about HAL's helicopter plant is provided below:

1. According to a government press release, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HALhelicopter )'s plant, also known as the "Greenfield Helicopter Factory," is India's largest helicopter production facility. It is said to help the nation satisfy its need for helicopters without importing them and would support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of creating "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" in the design, development, and production of helicopters.

2. The plant will first construct Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs), which are single-engine, multifunctional utility helicopters in the 3-ton class that were conceived and developed domestically and have exceptional manoeuvrability.The plant will initially build around 30 helicopters year, increasing that number gradually to 60 and 90 annually, according to a government announcement. It will also manufacture Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) and Indian Multirole Helicopters (IMRHs), and it will be utilised in the future for LCH, LUH, Civil Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and IMRH maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

3. In 2016, Prime Minister Modi lay the facility's cornerstone.

4. According to a press statement from the government, the factory's closeness to the current HAL facilities in Bengaluru will "enhance the aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in the region and assist skill and infrastructure development, such as schools, colleges, and residential areas.

5. Over a 20-year span, the HAL plans to construct more than 1,000 helicopters weighing between 3 and 15 tonnes for over 4 lakh crores.