Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has invited responses from Indian industries for establishing a 20,000-ton isothermal forging press facility in the country to support aerospace and defence manufacturing. The Request for Information (RFI), issued on 30 September 2025 by HAL’s Sukhoi Engine Division in Koraput, Odisha, remains open for submissions until 16 November 2025.
According to the RFI, the proposed facility will manufacture large, complex forgings in steel, aluminium, titanium, and nickel-based alloys for aero-engine and airframe components. These include discs, blisks, shafts, bulkheads, and landing gear parts used in programmes such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), and Sukhoi-30MKI.
HAL stated that the initiative aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing capability and reduce import dependency for high-strength aerospace forgings. The 20,000-ton isothermal press will also be usable in hydraulic mode for processing steel and aluminium.
The estimated investment for setting up the facility is between INR 15 billion and INR 20 billion, to be fully funded by the selected industry partner. HAL will not provide financial assistance but will assure annual capacity utilisation of 25 to 30 percent based on two-shift operation. The selected partner will be free to use the remaining capacity for commercial and export orders in sectors such as space and heavy engineering.
Participation is open to Indian-owned and operated firms, including those with up to 49 percent foreign direct investment. The RFI also allows consortium bids, with one member designated as the lead bidder responsible for contract execution. Evaluation will be based on financial strength, technical capability, prior experience in forging, and project implementation plans, using a 100-point scoring system. Firms must achieve a minimum score of 55 points to qualify for the next stage.
Eligible companies are required to have a minimum average turnover of INR 2 billion over the last three financial years (FY2022–23 to FY2024–25) and demonstrate aerospace forging experience and certifications from agencies such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 31 October 2025, and presentations from interested parties will follow bid submission. HAL will subsequently issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to shortlisted bidders specifying detailed technical and commercial requirements.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, headquartered in Bengaluru, is a Maharatna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence engaged in the design, development, manufacture, repair, and overhaul of aircraft, aero-engines, avionics, and related systems.
