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Tejas Mk1A Maiden Flight from HAL Nashik Marks New Milestone in India’s Defence Manufacturing
Rajnath Singh Inaugurates HAL's New LCA and HTT-40 Production Lines -A Big Push for Atmanirbhar Bharat
Summary:
India's homegrown fighter jet, the Tejas Mk1A, successfully completed its first flight from HAL's newly launched third production line in Nashik. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated this state-of-the-art facility, along with a new production line for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft, marking a major leap in India’s self-reliant defence ambitions.
India Accelerates Defence Manufacturing with Tejas Mk1A First Flight from HAL Nashik
In a landmark moment for India's defence sector, HAL’s indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A took to the skies for its first successful flight from Nashik on October 17, 2025.
The flight was conducted in the presence of Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, who also inaugurated HAL’s third LCA production line and second production line for HTT-40 trainer aircraft, marking a massive boost to India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ missions.
HAL’s Third Tejas Mk1A Line: Why It Matters
The new Nashik-based line is part of HAL’s strategy to fast-track deliveries of the LCA Mk1A to the Indian Air Force and reduce reliance on imports.
Key Highlights:
- Annual Capacity: 8 aircraft (to be scaled to 10 within 2 years)
- Employment: 1,000+ new jobs created
- Industry Ecosystem: 40+ suppliers from Maharashtra, Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh
- Export Potential: Boosts India’s defence exports to friendly nations
- Production Goal: Raises HAL's total LCA Mk1A output to 24 aircraft/year
This is a significant development that not only enhances operational readiness of the IAF but also strengthens India’s position as an emerging defence exporter.
HTT-40: India’s Indigenous Trainer Aircraft Takes Off
Alongside the Tejas programme, the HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft, fully designed and funded by HAL, received its second production line in Nashik.
HTT-40 at a Glance:
- First Prototype: Flew in May 2016 (PT1) and 2017 (PT2)
- Direct Jobs: 1,500 within HAL
- Indirect Jobs: 3,000+ through 100+ MSMEs
- Export-Friendly: Suited for countries with basic pilot training needs
- IAF Potential: Follow-on order for 36 additional aircraft
This move strengthens India’s trainer aircraft ecosystem and meets IAF’s growing training requirements with fully indigenous solutions.
Tejas Mk1A vs Tejas Mk1: What’s New?
The Tejas Mk1A is not just a newer version-it’s a smarter, combat-ready upgrade with better avionics, radar systems, and ease of maintenance, setting it apart from the Mk1.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Tejas Mk1A | Tejas Mk1 |
|---|---|---|
| Radar | EL/M-2052 AESA / Future: Uttam AESA | Original Multi-mode Radar |
| Electronic Warfare | Israeli/Indigenous Self-Protection Suite | Basic EW Suite |
| Weapons Payload | Larger variety & increased capacity | Limited weapons compatibility |
| Maintenance | Modular, faster turnaround | Standard service procedures |
| Indigenous Content | ~50% more than Mk1 | Lower |
| Mid-Air Refueling | Yes | No |
| Engine | GE F404-IN20 | GE F404-IN20 |
| Top Speed | Mach 1.8 (~2,200 km/h) | Mach 1.8 (~2,200 km/h) |
Air Show Spectacle: Su-30 MKI & HTT-40 Formation
The inaugural ceremony featured a stunning flypast by Su-30 MKI and a formation flight of HTT-40 aircraft, showcasing India’s growing prowess in indigenous aviation.
These aircraft demonstrated India's cutting-edge capabilities and readiness for both combat and training operations.
What This Means for India and the World
The launch of HAL’s third LCA line and new HTT-40 facility is more than a domestic achievement - it’s a strategic milestone that:
- Reduces India's dependency on foreign defence imports
- Positions India as a serious exporter of defence platforms
- Empowers local industries and MSMEs through defence manufacturing partnerships
- Aligns with India’s global defence diplomacy goals
By 2027, Nashik is expected to ramp up its capacity to 10 aircraft annually, supported by an additional Assembly Jig Line, tooling units, and pre-installation checks.
Expert Quote:
“With Tejas Mk1A now flying from Nashik, India takes another giant leap towards complete defence self-reliance. The enhanced production line and the HTT-40 expansion is a game-changer,” - HAL Spokesperson
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