SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik Division, fondly dubbed the MiG Complex, is emerging as a linchpin in India’s indigenous fighter aircraft program, with three to four Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A airframes—known as “Alphas”—currently in various stages of assembly. Leveraging over six decades of experience in producing and maintaining MiG variants and Su-30 MKI fighters, the division’s workforce is demonstrating remarkable skill and efficiency.
“The speed at which the first aircraft is coming out is a testament to their expertise,” an official told Tarmak Media House (TMH) in a statement reported on March 21, 2025, highlighting Nashik’s pivotal role in delivering the LCA Mk1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Reports indicate the first Tejas Mk1A is set for rollout from HAL’s Nashik Division by the end of next month. With three to four additional units already in assembly, HAL appears on track to meet its FY2025-26 production targets. HAL’s two LCA divisions in Bangalore aim for a combined output of 16 units annually, while the Nashik Division contributes 5. Confident in its production capabilities, HAL anticipates manufacturing 20 Tejas Mk1A aircraft in FY2025-26, scaling up to 25 in FY2026-27, and reaching 30 units in the following year.
Despite the optimism, challenges loom. Scaling production to 16-20 jets annually requires flawless coordination with suppliers, particularly GE Aerospace, whose F404 engine delays had previously stalled progress. Nashik’s workforce, while experienced, must also adapt to the Mk1A’s lighter composites and advanced electronics, distinct from the heavier MiG and Su-30 designs. Any slippage could delay the IAF’s modernization timeline, a risk the Standing Committee’s FY 2025-26 deadline aims to mitigate.
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