NASHIK, Oct. 18 -- Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday hailed round-the-clock support provided by aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to the Indian Air Force during the four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May, adding that the firm ensured that the country's fighter jets and helicopters were battle-ready at all times.

"HAL provided support at various operational sites 24 hours a day during Operation Sindoor. It ensured the IAF''s operational readiness by carrying out prompt maintenance on fighter jets and helicopters," Singh said at Nashik after inaugurating new production lines of the light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) and the HTT-40 basic trainer to meet the air force's growing needs.

He als...