Millworks Technologies Secures HAL Orders, Partners with TridenTech to Develop Indigenous UAV Engines

Bengaluru-based precision engineering company Millworks Technologies Limited has secured two developmental purchase orders from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for critical aircraft components and signed an agreement with TridenTech Engineering to jointly develop unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engines in India. The company announced both developments through a stock exchange disclosure on October 21, 2026, marking an expansion of its activities in aerospace manufacturing and indigenous defence technology.

The HAL orders cover oxygen valve assemblies for the Hawk advanced jet trainer and surge warning sensor assemblies for the MiG-29 fighter aircraft. Separately, the partnership with Chennai-based TridenTech Engineering will focus on developing, manufacturing and marketing internal combustion engines for unmanned aerial platforms. The collaboration brings together expertise in precision manufacturing and aerospace propulsion engineering.

HAL Places Developmental Orders for Hawk and MiG-29 Aircraft Components

Millworks Technologies has received two developmental purchase orders from separate divisions of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The first order, issued by HAL’s Overhaul Division, covers the manufacture and supply of oxygen valve assemblies for the Hawk advanced jet trainer operated by the Indian Air Force.

Oxygen valve assemblies form part of an aircraft’s onboard oxygen supply system, which supports safe operations at altitude. These components require precise manufacturing, reliable operation and rigorous quality control because they perform essential functions in aircraft systems.

The second order comes from HAL’s Engine Division at Koraput in Odisha. It involves developing surge warning sensor assemblies for the RD-33 engine that powers the MiG-29 fighter aircraft. The sensors form part of the engine monitoring system and help identify conditions associated with compressor surge.

Compressor surge occurs when airflow through a jet engine’s compressor becomes unstable. Such disturbances can affect engine performance and require appropriate monitoring and corrective responses. Reliable sensing equipment therefore plays an important role in maintaining the operational safety and performance of military aircraft engines.

Both developmental orders involve flight-critical assemblies requiring stringent manufacturing standards, inspection procedures and component traceability. Their execution will strengthen Millworks’ experience in manufacturing specialised components for Indian military aviation platforms.

Partnership with TridenTech to Develop UAV Propulsion Engines

Alongside the HAL orders, Millworks Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with TridenTech Engineering Private Limited for the co-development, manufacturing and marketing of internal combustion engines designed for unmanned aerial vehicles.

TridenTech is a Chennai-based engine design and development company operating from the IIT Madras Research Park. The collaboration will combine TridenTech’s propulsion engineering capabilities with Millworks’ established precision manufacturing infrastructure.

Under the agreement, TridenTech will lead engine design, development, assembly and testing. Millworks will undertake manufacturing engineering, production and export marketing through a revenue-sharing arrangement. The companies intend to develop propulsion solutions for defence, surveillance, logistics, agriculture, commercial operations and specialised unmanned missions.

The partnership will target both Indian and international markets. The arrangement also provides Millworks with exclusive rights over manufacturing processes it develops for engine castings, seals and other important components.

The agreement establishes a framework for developing UAV propulsion technology, with the companies working towards an initial engine prototype. The programme remains at the development stage, and the announcement does not represent the commencement of commercial engine production.

Indigenous UAV Engines to Support India’s Drone Industry

Propulsion technology is an important element of India’s expanding unmanned aerial systems industry. While electric motors power many small drones, internal combustion engines remain relevant for aircraft requiring longer endurance, greater payload capacity or operations over extended distances.

Such engines can support fixed-wing UAVs used for reconnaissance, surveillance, mapping, agricultural monitoring and logistics. Their suitability depends on factors including power output, fuel consumption, reliability, vibration, weight and operating conditions.

Developing domestic UAV engines requires expertise in combustion engineering, precision machining, fuel systems, thermal management and materials technology. Engine components must also withstand demanding operating conditions while maintaining consistent performance throughout extended missions.

The Millworks–TridenTech collaboration aims to bring these capabilities together through a coordinated design and manufacturing programme. Successful development would contribute to India’s efforts to build a stronger domestic supply chain for unmanned aircraft propulsion systems.

Millworks Expands Precision Manufacturing for Aerospace and Defence

Established in Bengaluru, Millworks Technologies manufactures precision-machined components, sheet metal parts and integrated assemblies for aerospace, defence, railway and semiconductor applications. The company operates four manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru and provides engineering and production services to domestic and international customers.

Its manufacturing capabilities include computer numerical control machining, fabrication, welding, electrical discharge machining, laser cutting, component assembly and quality inspection. These processes support the production of specialised mechanical components used in demanding industrial applications.

The company operates under Build-to-Print and Build-to-Spec manufacturing models. These arrangements allow it to manufacture components according to customer-supplied designs or undertake broader engineering responsibilities based on technical requirements.

Millworks also maintains AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 quality management certifications, supporting its participation in industries where component reliability, inspection and traceability are important.

The new HAL orders will extend its involvement in aviation components, while the TridenTech collaboration creates an opportunity to participate in the development of complete propulsion systems.

Additive Manufacturing Strengthens Aerospace Engineering Capabilities

The developments follow Millworks’ announcement on October 19, 2026, concerning the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for industrial 3D printing in collaboration with Markforged.

The facility incorporates seven additive manufacturing machines intended to support aerospace and defence prototyping, tooling and component development. Additive manufacturing enables engineers to produce complex geometries and test design modifications without relying exclusively on conventional machining processes.

Combining additive manufacturing with precision machining can improve the development of specialised aerospace components, particularly during prototyping and testing. The technology can also support the manufacture of customised tooling, fixtures and selected functional parts.

The company’s investments in manufacturing technology provide additional capabilities relevant to aerospace components and future UAV propulsion development. Together, conventional manufacturing and additive processes can support the iterative engineering work required for new mechanical systems.

Growing Indian Participation in Aerospace Supply Chains

India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sector increasingly involves specialised private companies supplying components, assemblies and engineering services to major manufacturers such as HAL.

Military aircraft maintenance, engine servicing and component replacement require a dependable industrial supply chain capable of meeting demanding technical standards. Indian manufacturers with experience in precision engineering can contribute to these requirements through component development, manufacturing and testing.

The oxygen valve and surge warning sensor orders illustrate opportunities for domestic companies to support existing aircraft fleets. Such programmes also allow manufacturers to gain experience with specialised aviation equipment and the quality assurance procedures required for defence applications.

The UAV engine partnership represents a different opportunity, involving the development of new propulsion technology rather than the supply of components for established aircraft platforms. Both activities contribute to the expansion of India’s aerospace engineering capabilities.

Millworks Reports Growth in Manufacturing and Exports

Millworks Technologies reported total income of ₹153.40 crore during FY2025–26, supported by its activities across precision engineering and industrial manufacturing. The company recorded EBITDA of ₹56.65 crore and net profit of ₹37.06 crore during the financial year.

Exports accounted for approximately 27.47% of total income, with the company supplying customers across 12 countries. Its international business provides experience in meeting overseas manufacturing requirements and participating in global industrial supply chains.

The proposed UAV propulsion collaboration includes export marketing responsibilities for Millworks, creating an avenue for applying its international manufacturing experience to domestically developed aerospace technologies.

Managing Director Sridhar Acharya described the HAL orders as recognition of the company’s manufacturing and quality capabilities. He also highlighted the potential of combining TridenTech’s engine design expertise with Millworks’ production infrastructure to bring Indian-engineered UAV propulsion systems to international markets.

Strengthening India’s Indigenous Aerospace Technology Ecosystem

The latest developments demonstrate the expanding role of Indian precision engineering companies in military aviation and unmanned systems. Through its developmental orders from HAL, Millworks Technologies will contribute specialised components for the Hawk advanced jet trainer and MiG-29 fighter aircraft.

Its partnership with TridenTech Engineering adds a propulsion development initiative aimed at serving India’s growing UAV industry. The collaboration combines domestic engine design expertise with precision manufacturing capabilities and establishes a framework for producing engines for defence and civilian applications.

Together with its investments in additive manufacturing, these activities strengthen the company’s participation in advanced aerospace engineering. They also reflect the growing opportunities for Indian private manufacturers to support domestic defence programmes and develop technologies for international markets.

The HAL orders and UAV engine collaboration represent further progress in India’s efforts to expand indigenous aerospace manufacturing, develop specialised propulsion capabilities and strengthen technological self-reliance under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

---

References

1. Millworks Technologies Limited, October 21, 2026: Stock exchange disclosure under Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Regulations, titled Millworks Technologies Secures HAL Orders and Signs MoU with TridenTech for UAV Engines. BSE Scrip Code: 544826.
2. EquityBulls, October 21, 2026: Millworks Technologies Secures HAL Orders and Signs MoU with TridenTech for UAV Engines.
   https://www.equitybulls.com/news/377403/millworks-technologies-secures-hal-orders-and-signs-mou-with-tridentech-for-uav
3. Arthneeti, October 21, 2026: Millworks Technologies Secures HAL Orders and Signs MoU with TridenTech for UAV Engines.
   https://www.arthneeti.com/announcements/millworks-technologies-announcement-under-regulation-30-lodr-press-release-media-release-21-oct-2026
4. ScanX Trade, October 21, 2026: Millworks Technologies Secures HAL Orders for Hawk and MiG-29 Assemblies.
   https://scanx.trade/stock-market-news/companies/millworks-technologies-secures-hal-orders-hawk-mig-29-assemblies/54137107
5. Millworks Technologies Limited: Official company information, manufacturing capabilities and corporate disclosures.
   https://millworksindia.com/

---