India, Oct. 6 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Sunabeda, Koraput (Odisha), where he attended on Tuesday a special programme marking the delivery of HAL Koraput's 2,000th aero-engine and the launch of a second manufacturing line for the Shakti engine.

The programme also saw the participation of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The Shakti engine production programme is being established at an estimated cost of Rs 218 crore. The engine, a key turboshaft powerplant for Indian military helicopters, has been developed through collaboration between HAL and France-based Safran Helicopter Engines.

Addressing the gathering, Singh highlighted HAL Koraput's contribution to India's aerospace a...