- Views: 148
- Replies: 1
In a major boost to India's indigenous defence capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to roll out the first Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) from its Nashik production facility by the end of July 2025.
This milestone marks a significant expansion of the Tejas manufacturing ecosystem, aimed at accelerating deliveries to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to HAL Chairman and Managing Director, DK Sunil, the Nashik plant is on schedule to deliver an additional three to four Tejas Mk1A aircraft by the end of the financial year in March 2026.
This development is a critical part of the government's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, which seeks to enhance the country's self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.
The Tejas Mk1A is a substantially upgraded version of the original Tejas Mk1. It features advanced combat technologies, including an Israeli ELTA EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which allows for simultaneous tracking of multiple targets with high precision.
Further enhancements include a superior electronic warfare suite, an improved Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), and advanced avionics, making the aircraft a more potent and versatile platform for modern aerial warfare.
This initial rollout from Nashik is a key step in fulfilling a ₹48,000 crore contract signed in February 2021 for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets.
The Indian Air Force is also expected to place a follow-on order for an additional 97 aircraft, a deal estimated to be worth around ₹67,000 crore, bringing the total commitment to 180 Mk1A fighters.
These aircraft are vital for the IAF to replace its ageing MiG-21 fleet and bolster its squadron strength.
While HAL is ramping up its output, Mr. Sunil acknowledged that the program has faced hurdles, including supply chain disruptions and delays in the delivery of F404-IN20 engines from General Electric (GE) Aerospace.
To counter these challenges, HAL has optimised its production lines in both Nashik and Bengaluru by employing advanced manufacturing techniques. The combined effort aims to achieve a target of delivering 12 aircraft within the 2025 calendar year.
In a significant move towards indigenisation, HAL plans to integrate the domestically developed Uttam AESA radar, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), from the 41st aircraft onwards.
Although the initial batch will use the imported Israeli radar, this planned transition underscores India’s long-term goal of integrating critical homegrown technologies into its premier defence platforms.
The Uttam radar is reported to have capabilities on par with contemporary AESA systems, featuring multiple operational modes for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea missions.
