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India's indigenous military aviation programme marked a significant achievement as the seventh Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft successfully completed its first flight before the close of March 2025.
The aircraft, bearing the serial number LA-5039, signifies a notable increase in the production rate by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned manufacturer.
This development underscores the accelerating pace of the Tejas Mk1A initiative, vital for the modernisation efforts of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The flight of LA-5039 follows approximately one year after the maiden flight of the first Tejas Mk1A, LA-5033, which took place in March 2024. The completion of seven aircraft within this period highlights HAL's enhanced manufacturing capacity.
Reports and images confirming the LA-5039 flight, which circulated online, have drawn positive attention from defence observers, indicating progress towards meeting the IAF's operational requirements.
As an advanced version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1, the Mk1A variant is a cornerstone of India's ambition for greater self-reliance ('Atmanirbhar Bharat') in the crucial sector of defence manufacturing.
Achieving this latest flight milestone ahead of the financial year deadline (March 31, 2025) suggests improved efficiency within HAL's production ecosystem and coordination with its supply chain partners, despite facing earlier challenges such as reported delays in component deliveries.
The Tejas Mk1A incorporates substantial upgrades over its predecessor. Key enhancements include an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system for improved detection and tracking, advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities for enhanced survivability, and the integration of modern weaponry, including the indigenous Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. These features are intended to significantly bolster the IAF's combat effectiveness.
The Indian Air Force is set to receive 83 Tejas Mk1A jets under a contract worth approximately ₹48,000 crore, finalized between the Ministry of Defence and HAL in February 2021. Furthermore, the government has approved plans for procuring an additional 97 aircraft of the same type.
The increasing pace of production is crucial for the IAF, which is currently operating below its sanctioned squadron strength, reportedly having around 31 active squadrons against an authorised 42. The induction of the Tejas Mk1A is anticipated to play a key role in addressing this gap and enhancing India's air defence posture.
