HAL's New Nashik Facility to Deliver First Tejas Mk-1A This Month, Targets 24 Units Annual Output with Three Production Lines

In a major step forward for India's indigenous military aviation sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver the first Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet from its new production facility in Nashik by the end of June 2025. This delivery marks a critical milestone in accelerating the supply of advanced combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Nashik facility is HAL's third production line for the Tejas, established to supplement the two existing lines in Bengaluru. This expansion is part of a strategic effort to increase the overall production rate of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

The IAF, which finalised a contract worth approximately Rs 48,000 crore in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets, has been keenly awaiting these deliveries to modernise its fleet.

The programme has faced setbacks, notably a delay of over a year caused by disruptions in the supply of F404 engines from the US-based company GE Aerospace. The original deadline for the first aircraft was March 31, 2024.

With engine deliveries now resuming, the Nashik facility, which can produce up to eight aircraft per year, will be crucial in overcoming these delays. Combined with the Bengaluru lines, HAL is aiming for a total annual output of 16 to 24 aircraft.

The Tejas Mk-1A is a significantly upgraded version of the original Tejas fighter. It boasts advanced features including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a modern electronic warfare suite for enhanced survivability, and the capability to be armed with sophisticated beyond-visual-range missiles like the indigenous Astra.

These upgrades make the Tejas Mk-1A a versatile multi-role aircraft, capable of performing air-to-air combat, ground attack, and interception missions effectively.

The aircraft is vital to the IAF’s plans to replace its aging fleet of MiG-21 fighters. The timely induction of the Tejas Mk-1A is essential for maintaining the required squadron strength and bolstering the nation's air defence capabilities.

The launch of the Nashik production line is a significant indicator of India’s growing self-reliance in the defence manufacturing industry. By streamlining its production processes and increasing capacity, HAL is positioning the Tejas program for a stable future, with discussions already underway for an additional order of 97 jets.

The rollout of the first jet from Nashik is more than a simple delivery; it symbolises the evolution of the Tejas from a developmental project into a formidable, battle-ready asset for the Indian Air Force.

 

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[R. Singh]

Govt must upgrade HAL plants each having three production lines assembling 36 fighter jets per plant ! Then only we can meet home and export demand ! If Tejas have downed few JF-17s demand would be shoot up !

 

[Mc Addy]

It's good news , its hard work,making good systems and this has shown in May 2025 , so many congratulations.

 

[pawan]

So in next 1.5 years, entire Mig21 squadron can be retired. Finally!!!!

 

[Andy13]

We still have received only 1 engine. Dunno what this chest thumping is all about. No news on engine delivery. No news on how many frames are ready sans engine. Useless article.

 

[Mc Addy]

We still have received only 1 engine. Dunno what this chest thumping is all about. No news on engine delivery. No news on how many frames are ready sans engine. Useless article.

Seems we only stopped the production line for the GE engine 5 years back , so now they restarted it in USA. Actually we should get it here , one set of tooling , so every year we make double engines.

 

[sanket]

GE needs to supply engines on time; only one engine has been delivered to date. The second and third engines are likely to be delivered in the coming months. By March 2026, GE needs to supply at least 16 engines.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Congrats to all Indians and welcome to New India. Great achievement indeed I say.

 

[Kira]

GE needs to supply engines on time; only one engine has been delivered to date. The second and third engines are likely to be delivered in the coming months. By March 2026, GE needs to supply at least 16 engines.

I don't think the delay with GE engines is the only reason for the Tejas production issues as HAL can simply continue to deliver the airframes on time, and later attach the supplied engines while finishing all other tests associated with the jets. Of course, this is a cumbersome solution and certification will take time, thus causing further delays, but HAL can keep up with the production numbers this way.

 

[nivas9531]

Relying on Only GE engines is a big obstacle for india. Because of recent instances by trump administration.
India can choose another suitable engine from different suppliers for tejas.
Our so called experts said a lot about Russian fj engines they are inefficient and require more maintenance but pakistani chinese jets performed how, we are all aware.
Rd -33 is a better engine and it was improved for decades now it can give better advantage
India having licence to produce those engines in india and producing. The rd-33 is more efficient performance than F-404. Only F-404 edge is longevity and very little difference in fuel efficiency, if the tejas airframe needed any change is not a big thing for HAL
If there is any upgrades for engine, HAL already made changes in Su-30mki engines and upgraded.
Only government have will to boast in a innovative manner our diffence organisations do wonders. But political bosses go for foreign companies for kickbacks and save their corporate tycoon's from foreign governments

 

[Sandeep]

There is a bit of a time lag between HAL producing them and testing them which is a mandatory, cumbersome and long process. After they certify the jet the air force will carry out their own short tests before they finally induct it for active service. As this was a new MK1A variant I think they wanted to be extra careful and confident in its performance and capabilities before certifying it.

However HAL is the most unproductive company and needs to work faster, change their work ethics and work even longer to avoid delays in delivering the jet for frontline service. They need to stick to their agreements and deliver the jets based on their contract. If the workers are at fault for any unnecessary delays or problems then we should fine or cut their wages.

 

[tlsmani]

Govt must upgrade HAL plants each having three production lines assembling 36 fighter jets per plant ! Then only we can meet home and export demand ! If Tejas have downed few JF-17s demand would be shoot up !

Yes.upgradaion of product lines machineries is a must to speed up manufacture -& reduce time for delivery ,improvements etc

 

[pgahlot]

But how HAL will produce without engines. As US is playing dirty roles like always, we need to check different options as well. Let them tell that we can make our planes without US help as well, then only they will understand.

 

[bks78]

What is stopping HAL to have additional assembly line to produce 36 Tejas MK1A per year with engine supply issue getting sorted out. Even GE has already said to increase the number of engine delivery if HAL orders more.