SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to deliver the first Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet from its new production facility in Nashik by the end of June 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) program. The Nashik facility, HAL’s third Tejas production line alongside two in Bengaluru, is a strategic move to ramp up production and address delays that have plagued the program. The Indian Air Force (IAF), which signed a Rs 48,000 crore contract in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets, has been eagerly awaiting these advanced fighters to bolster its combat capabilities.
The Tejas Mk-1A, an upgraded variant of the HAL Tejas, features enhanced avionics, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, improved electronic warfare systems, and compatibility with advanced weaponry like the Astra and Derby missiles. Its multirole capabilities—spanning interception, ground-attack, and aerial combat—were proven during Operation Sindoor, where the Tejas demonstrated agility and operational effectiveness in countering Pakistani air intrusions. The Nashik line’s activation is expected to accelerate deliveries, helping the IAF phase out aging MiG-21s and strengthen its frontline squadrons.
However, the Tejas Mk-1A program has faced significant hurdles, primarily due to delays in the supply of F404 engines from US-based GE Aerospace. These bottlenecks pushed the delivery timeline over a year beyond the original March 31, 2024, target. The Nashik facility, designed to produce up to eight aircraft annually, aims to mitigate these delays by boosting HAL’s production capacity. Combined with the Bengaluru lines, HAL targets a total output of 16–24 Tejas jets per year, aligning with the IAF’s urgent need for modern fighters.
The establishment of the Nashik line reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. HAL’s efforts to streamline production, coupled with ongoing negotiations for additional Tejas orders, signal a robust future for the program. As the first Mk-1A rolls out from Nashik, it will not only enhance the IAF’s operational strength but also underscore the Tejas’ evolution from a developmental project to a battle-proven asset, as seen in its stellar performance during Operation Sindoor.
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