HAL is getting ready for the first TEJAS MK-1A fighter jet to take off from its Nashik Unit by the end of October 2025, which would be a significant milestone for India’s domestic defense production industry, according to a Times of India report.
When paired with the two Bangalore lines, HAL’s Nashik facility, which was opened as the third TEJAS MK-1A manufacturing line, can build up to eight jets a year, increasing the company’s total capacity to 24 TEJAS fighter jets yearly.
According to HAL insiders, technical difficulties caused the corporation to postpone its initial May launch date for the plane. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to attend the launch on October 17, while his confirmation is still pending.
The Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance confirmed that the site was prepared for the test flight by providing the flying permission needed for the TEJAS MK-1A project.
Technical issues, particularly supply constraints for GE-404 engines, caused delays in production schedules. Recent deliveries, however, have overcome these obstacles, putting the Nashik unit in a position to move forward with the inaugural flight and make the first deliveries to the Indian Air Force (IAF) before the end of 2025.
The TEJAS MK-1A, a 4.5-generation fighter aircraft with more than 40 upgrades, is a major improvement over its predecessor. It has superior electronic warfare capabilities, digital fly-by-wire controls, enhanced aerodynamic design for increased maneuverability, and state-of-the-art avionics, including the domestic ‘Uttam’ Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
The TEJAS MK-1A is a crucial part of India’s push for defense self-reliance, with over 70% indigenous material anticipated in the upcoming years. The aircraft provides operational efficiency enhancements like quicker maintenance turnaround and in-flight refueling capabilities, and it supports a wide range of armament systems, including beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles. Its introduction is essential to bolstering the IAF’s contemporary combat force and replacing aging MiG-21 units.
Soon after the initial flight, HAL is expected to deliver the first two TEJAS MK-1A planes to the IAF, and increased production will provide a steady supply for the IAF’s ongoing modernization. This accomplishment demonstrates HAL’s capacity to adopt cutting-edge technologies and increase domestic aircraft manufacturing, supporting India’s aviation industry’s aspirations to become a worldwide force.
A new era in India’s aerospace capabilities is set to begin with the TEJAS MK-1A’s upcoming inaugural flight from Nashik, which promises advanced technology integration, a strong production infrastructure, and strategic empowerment for the country’s air defense.
There are 2,207 workers in the HAL Nashik division, comprising 395 engineers, 624 technical support specialists, and 1,188 technical specialists.
