Tejas Mk1A, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft(LAC) successfully took its maiden flight from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) Nashik facility on October 17. These fighter aircrafts are considered as a perfect replacement to the aged MiG-21 aircrafts, which were retired from the Indian Airforce(IAF) in the previous month. The Tejas Mk1A took its first flight in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Nashik.
Tejas Mk1A, designed and manufactured under the Make in India and defence indigenization project is said to herald a new chapter in the country’s offensive and defensive capabilities throughout the strategic skies and the war bird will act as a big strength to the Indian Airforce. “This is not just a test flight. It’s the start of a new era”, exclaimed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | HAL manufactured LCA Tejas Mk 1A, HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft and Su-30 MKI flying at the inauguration of the third line of LCA Mark 1A and second line of HTT-40 at HAL facility in Nashik. https://t.co/OhSUaXT5Fo pic.twitter.com/w5fWhGoR0P
— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2025
Defence Minister also asserted that there was an era when 60 to 70 per cent of the defence technology was imported into India. But today, the same 60 to 70 per cent of the defence technology is been indigenously developed. In the very near future 100 per cent of the defence technology will be curated within the country, thus India will soon emerge as a defence manufacturing and export hub.
The cutting-edge features of Tejas Mk1A
Tejas Mk1A, is a Light Combat Aircraft manufactured by the HAL. It is an advanced variant of the Tejas fighter aircraft. Tejas Mk1A has nearly 40 upgradation and improvements compared to its previous versions. It is in terms of survivability, operational efficiency and combat capabilities.
- Tejas Mk1A houses advanced avionics and radar facilities
- Tejas Mk1A is the 4.5 generation multi-role, all-weather combat jet
- Uses indigenously developed Uttam AESA radars, with a range of more than 200kms and 360 degree surveillance capability
- Encompasses enhanced electronic warfare systems called as Unified Electronic Warfare Suite(UEWS)
- Has Advanced Self Protection Jammer Pod for improved survivability
- It has digital fly-by-wire system and upgraded flight control computer for better maneuverability and stability. This replaces the previous mechanical flight control system
- The fighter aircraft has nine hard points capable of carrying different types of weapons
- Capable for air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike missions
- Tejas Mk1A is capable of carrying Beyond Visual Rabge(BVR) missiles, air-to-air or air-to-ground missiles and even the advanced short-range air-to-air missiles
The reduced weight and enhanced maintainability compared to its previous versions facilitates swift movements and faster turnaround during combat situation
Defence Minister unveiled third production line of the HAL
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also unveiled the latest production line of the HAL in Nashik. This production line will manufacture Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft. This state-of-the-art production unit has the potential to manufacture eight aircrafts per year. The facility at Nashik is the third production line exclusively meant for the manufacturing of the Tejas aircrafts. The previous two production lines are at Bengaluru which produces 16 Tejas fighter jets annually.
With the inauguration of the production line at Nashik, the cumulative capacity of the HAL to produce Tejas aircrafts annually climbs up to 24, thus marking a major feat in the defence indigenization path of India. It also boosts the combat capabilities of the country under critical circumstances.
Rajnath Singh hails the role of HAL during Operation Sindoor
Speaking in Nashik, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also hailed the role of HAL during Operation Sindoor. “HAL team consistently provided assistance at various operational sites to ensure the operational readiness of the Indian Airforce. The HAL Nashik team performed the crucial task of integrating the BrahMos missile on to the Sukhoi-30. This is the same BrahMos that destroyed terrorist hideouts during Operation Sindoor”, Rajnath Singh asserted.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister also hailed the bravery and valour of the Indian Airforce that inspires the entire country. He also congratulated ADA, CEMILAC, DGAQA and other industrial partners and also the employees of HAL who are the mastermind behind the manufacturing of such modern and advanced aircrafts in India. He also mentioned that HAL, being a public sector entity is able to maintain the world-class quality and credibility in lines with the fourth industrial revolution.
Rajnath Singh also affirmed that the opening of a new HAL production line in Nashik, will attract more employment opportunities to the youth in the nearby region and will be a big boost to the industrial ecosystem of Mahar
