Atul Chandra, Editor at GBP Daily News, conducted a significant interview with Dr. DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), revealing crucial developments in India’s indigenous fighter aircraft programs, according to a report on Vayu Space X.
This interview provides in-depth insights into the current status and future direction of the TEJAS MK-1A and TEJAS MK-2 programs, which represent significant milestones in India’s quest of aeronautical self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda.
Dr. DK Sunil, who became Chairman and Managing Director of HAL in September 2024, offers considerable experience to India’s leading aerospace industry.
Dr. Sunil has 37 years of experience at HAL, having joined as a Management Trainee in 1987. He has been essential in strengthening India’s aerospace capabilities. His extensive career includes pioneering work at the Mission Combat Systems R&D Centre in Bangalore, where he oversaw groundbreaking technologies including Active ESA Radar, Automatic Flight Control System for Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Mission Computers for helicopter and fighter systems.
Under his guidance as Director of Engineering and R&D, HAL successfully achieved military certification for the HTT-40 aircraft program and secured key projects such as the Indigenous Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) for the Indian Air Force and Army.
The TEJAS MK-1A program is a cornerstone of India’s indigenous fighter aircraft production capability. HAL has built a multi-facility production network to meet the Indian Air Force’s ₹48,000 crore deal for 83 aircraft, signed in February 2021.
The company presently has two established production lines at its Bangalore plant, which have served as the primary manufacturing centers for the TEJAS program. The Bangalore facilities have consistently shown their production capability, with the first line established at a cost of ₹1,556 crore and the second line sanctioned in March 2017 with an investment of ₹1,381.04 crore.
The installation of the third production line at HAL’s Nashik facility is a key step toward increasing India’s fighter aircraft production capability. The plant, opened on April 7, 2023, is a strategic investment of ₹150 crore and aims to build eight TEJAS aircraft annually.
The Nashik production line is projected to be completely operational by the first quarter of 2025, with the first TEJAS MK-1A from this plant shipping in June 2025. This extension will raise HAL’s total production capacity from 16 to 24 aircraft per year, representing a 50% increase in manufacturing capability.
The Nashik facility’s timeframe has been adjusted due to supply chain issues, particularly the delivery of F404-IN20 engines from General Electric. The first F404-IN20 engine for the MK-1A aircraft was delivered in March 2025, approximately two years beyond the initial deadline. Despite these obstacles, HAL is dedicated to achieving its delivery obligations, with plans to deliver 12 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force by 2025. The company has developed capacity growth initiatives across all assembly lines to not only expedite the execution of present orders, but also to prepare for future orders and international market potential.
The TEJAS MK-2 program reflects India’s ambitious effort to construct a more modern, medium-weight fighter aircraft. According to HAL officials, the structural assembly of the first prototype aircraft is already underway, with more than 60% of the structure completed by early 2025. The prototype is being developed in HAL’s Bangalore plant, utilizing the existing supplier network from the TEJAS Mk1 program to assure quality and efficiency. The center fuselage and wings have been successfully connected, and the front and back fuselage portions are nearly finished.
The TEJAS MK-2 is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft with much higher capabilities than its predecessors. The aircraft has a 17,500kg airframe driven by a single General Electric F414-INS6 engine capable of delivering 22,000lb of thrust. Close-coupled canards improve stability and manoeuvrability, as do sophisticated avionics equipment such as the indigenous Uttam GaN-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system. The aircraft’s design has a reduced frontal radar cross section (RCS), which is said to be one-fourth that of the TEJAS MK-1, considerably improving its stealth capabilities.
The TEJAS MK-2 prototype is set to launch in 2026, with the first flight scheduled for the first quarter of that year. HAL has taken a deliberate approach to the rollout, focusing on technical milestones rather than ceremonial pomp to expedite testing. The development program includes plans to build four prototypes between 2025 and 2027, with full operating clearance scheduled for 2028. Production is planned to begin in 2028-2029, with the Indian Air Force aiming to put the aircraft into service by 2030. The original manufacturing target is 110-120 aircraft, with potential orders for up to 210 more units to create six squadrons.
The developments described in Dr. Sunil’s interview demonstrate India’s dedication to achieving self-reliance in military manufacture through the Atmanirbhar Bharat plan.
The TEJAS MK-2 program places a strong emphasis on indigenous content, with over 82% indigenous components initially and estimates of over 90% with localised engine manufacture. This strategic strategy establishes India as a major player in the global aerospace and defense markets while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
HAL’s expansion strategy goes beyond present programs, with the corporation considering additional capacity increases. The firm has created a thorough CAPEX plan for the next five years, estimated at ₹14,000-15,000 crore, resulting in an average yearly investment of ₹3,000 crore. This investment strategy intends to increase production capacity from 24 to potentially 32 aircraft per year, with plans for a fourth production line in Nashik. The improved manufacturing capabilities will allow HAL to aggressively explore foreign markets while serving home demands.
The TEJAS programs have had major supply chain management issues, particularly with engine deliveries. HAL has ruled out engine replacements for the TEJAS MK-1A in the face of F404 supply delays, stating that it remains committed to the F404-IN20 engine with stabilised supplies expected by 2026. The company collaborated closely with General Electric and the Ministry of Defence to address bottlenecks and maintain program continuation.
The shift from development to full-scale manufacturing necessitates stringent quality assurance and certification procedures. HAL has devised thorough testing processes for both the MK-1A and MK-2 programs to ensure that they meet military standards and operational needs. The company’s strategy prioritizes technical excellence over speed, focusing on long-term program success and operational effectiveness.
The interview with HAL Chairman Dr. DK Sunil at the Paris Air Show 2025 reveals substantial advances in India’s indigenous fighter aircraft programs. The TEJAS MK-1A production growth to 24 aircraft per year at the new Nashik facility underscores HAL’s commitment to meeting Indian Air Force requirements while expanding export potential.
The TEJAS MK-2 program’s progress toward a 2026 prototype rollout reflects India’s transition to more sophisticated aerospace technologies. These advances cumulatively establish India as a growing aerospace force capable of designing, developing, and manufacturing world-class fighter aircraft while also contributing to national security and economic growth through the defense sector.
