SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to achieve a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing with the rollout of the first Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) from its Nashik production facility by the end of July 2025. HAL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) DK Sunil announced that the Nashik plant is on track to deliver at least three to four additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft before the end of the current financial year in March 2026, reinforcing HAL’s commitment to bolstering the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities and advancing India’s self-reliance in defense under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
The Tejas Mk1A, an advanced variant of the Tejas Mk1, incorporates significant upgrades, including the ELTA Systems Ltd.’s ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Fire Control Radar, an improved Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), and enhanced avionics. These upgrades enhance the aircraft’s air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities, making it a versatile platform for the IAF’s operational needs.
The rollout of the first Mk1A this month marks a critical step in fulfilling the IAF’s order for 83 aircraft, a contract signed in 2021, with an additional 97 aircraft expected to be ordered soon.DK Sunil highlighted that the Nashik plant has been optimized to accelerate production despite challenges, including delays in engine deliveries from General Electric and supply chain disruptions.
The facility is leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques and streamlined processes to meet the ambitious target of delivering 12 Tejas Mk1A aircraft in 2025, with the subsequent three to four aircraft planned for delivery by March 2026 contributing to this goal. “Our focus is on ensuring timely delivery while maintaining the highest quality standards,” Sunil stated, emphasizing HAL’s role in strengthening India’s defense ecosystem.
The production timeline aligns with HAL’s broader strategy to scale up its manufacturing capacity. The Nashik plant, alongside HAL’s Bengaluru facility, is expected to ramp up production to meet the IAF’s demand for 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft over the coming years. Sunil also noted that while the initial batch of Mk1A jets will feature the ELM-2052 AESA radar, HAL plans to integrate the indigenous Uttam AESA radar from the 41st aircraft onward, aligning with India’s goal of indigenizing critical defense technologies.
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