LCA Tejas Mk1A Completes Maiden Flight from HAL Nashik, Boosting India's Indigenous Defense

Historic Maiden Flight at Nashik

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A successfully undertook its maiden flight on Friday, October 17, 2025, from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Nashik facility in Maharashtra. This significant event was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also inaugurated HAL's third production line for the LCA Tejas Mk1A and a second production line for the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) aircraft. The flight, piloted by HAL Chief Test Pilot (Fixed Wing) Group Captain KK Venugopal (Retd), was met with a ceremonial water cannon salute, symbolizing a major stride in India's indigenous defense aviation program.

Enhanced Capabilities of the Tejas Mk1A

The Tejas Mk1A represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, the Tejas Mk1, incorporating over 40 overall improvements. This 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft boasts enhanced capabilities, including:

• A new avionics suite featuring the EL/M-2052 AESA Radar or the indigenous Uttam AESA Radar.
• A DARE Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) and an externally mounted Advanced Self-Protection Jammer (SPJ) for improved survivability.
• In-flight refueling capability, extending its operational range.
• An Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) developed by the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL).
• An expanded weapon suite, integrating missiles such as Astra BVRAAM and ASRAAM, alongside laser-guided bombs.

With over 64% indigenous content, and an expectation to surpass 70%, the Tejas Mk1A is designed for diverse mission profiles, including air defense, ground attack, and maritime strike operations.

Boosting Production and Self-Reliance

The inauguration of the new production line at Nashik is set to significantly increase HAL's manufacturing capacity. This facility alone will contribute to the production of eight aircraft annually, raising HAL's total yearly output for Tejas jets to 24. This expansion is crucial for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which aims to replace its aging fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that the event is a 'shining symbol' of India's growing 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defense.

Future Deliveries and Strategic Importance

The IAF has placed substantial orders for the Tejas Mk1A. An initial contract for 83 aircraft was signed in 2021, with deliveries originally planned between 2024 and 2028. More recently, on September 25, 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed an additional contract with HAL for 97 Mk1A fighters (68 single-seaters and 29 twin-seaters) valued at ₹62,370 crore (approximately $7 billion). These new deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027-28 and are expected to be completed over six years, bringing the total order to 180 aircraft. Despite some delays in the supply of GE F404 engines, HAL is committed to ramping up production to meet the IAF's critical requirements. The Nashik facility, with its six-decade legacy of aircraft production, is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening India's air power and defense industrial base.