Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) future has ignited a political battle between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh CM, N Chandrababu Naidu has proposed the construction of a greenfield facility of HAL in his state.
Karnataka, the home state to HAL’s principal infrastructure, has reacted aggressively and swiftly in the interim. Any plan that would alter or diminish the state’s critical place in India’s defense production infrastructure has been opposed by several Karnataka ministers.
Greenfield Proposal Sparks Tensions
At a recent meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CM Naidu offered 10,000 acres of land for a potential HAL expansion near Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh, barely 70 km from the Karnataka border. Interestingly, he specified that he had no desire to relocate any of the existing HAL units. Instead, his intention is to create space for indigenous systems and future defence platforms such as the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
Significantly, the proposal looks inviting, sources who were present during the meeting say. Safety setbacks that are critical, and which could be harder to obtain in jammed Karnataka pockets, have sufficient space at the proposed site. Yet, the timing of the proposal and its political hue have created a lot of storm in Karnataka.
Karnataka Leaders Stand Firm
The Karnataka government has closed ranks in retort. No Chief Minister can alter HAL’s present operations in Bengaluru, said MB Patil, Large and Medium Industries Minister. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced that there would be no relocation during his tenure.
Further, Karnataka would shield HAL infrastructure at all costs, said Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. He underlined that Jawaharlal Nehru specifically selected Bengaluru for HAL because the city has a well-trained technical manpower. He also underlined HAL’s commitment to defense manufacturing by highlighting that the Congress state government had generously given land in Tumakuru for the company’s helicopter division.
Centre Silent Amid Political Heat
Karnataka leaders themselves have expressed their anger at the silence of the state’s MPs and Union Ministers. DK Shivakumar appealed to them to safeguard Karnataka’s interests and openly criticized their silence. The Medical Education and Skill Development Minister, Sharan Prakash Patil, took it one step ahead and made it clear that remaining quiet would be a betrayal of the economic interests and heritage of the state.
Worth noting is that Defense Minister Rajnath Singh sanctioned the model of execution of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project amid heightened tensions. Bengaluru remains to be the location of this critical project, with the Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL in collaboration, highlighting the city’s continued strategic importance.
Future of Tejas and AMCA at Stake
HAL is already expanding its capacity at the same time. The Indian Air Force has ordered the company to build 83 LCA Mk1A variants under a contract worth ₹6,500 crore. Also, additional land, infrastructure, and human resources will be required in the future projects like the AMCA and the Tejas Mk2.
The government will eventually have to consider other areas based on these demands. It is not clear whether that expansion goes into Andhra Pradesh or occurs in Karnataka.
Two states are in a high-stakes battle to ensure each one’s place in India’s defense manufacturing future due to the HAL expansion plan. Karnataka remains keen on retaining its long-standing position, despite the fresh chance being presented by Andhra Pradesh. The political and strategic battle is becoming more fierce as long as the Center does not take a stand.
