Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has produced the first TEJAS MK-1A fighter aircraft from its newly established production line in Nashik, Maharashtra, marking a key milestone in India’s indigenous aerospace industry.
The aircraft, LA-5043, has undergone all pre-flight tests and will be formally given to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The Nashik plant is HAL’s third production line for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS program, following the Bangalore units. The Nashik line, established in 2023 under the Aircraft Manufacturing Division, aims to speed deliveries of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) 180-unit TEJAS MK-1A order, ensuring completion by 2032-33. Currently capable of manufacturing eight aircraft per year, the division intends to increase output to ten annually as operations develop.
HAL officials indicated that the new line was established by upgrading existing assets—hangars, people, and machinery—along with an internal investment of around ₹500 crore to match the technological requirements of the TEJAS MK-1A variant.
The facility is almost 1.3 million square feet and was completed in record time by utilizing internal resources.
The Nashik Assembly Line offers comprehensive manufacturing services, including sheet metal and CNC fabrication, precision-machined assemblies, pipelines, welded structures, and canopy units.
Over 30 structural assembly jigs help to build main modules such the center fuselage, front and rear fuselages, wings, and air intakes.
The third production line has also boosted the Make in India effort, creating over 1,000 new jobs and promoting partnership with over 40 private enterprises in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
HAL said that 40% of the overall workload has been allotted to industry partners, supporting the government’s policy of public-private partnerships in defense production.
The increased production capacity not only ensures timely supply of aircraft to the IAF, but also enables HAL to fulfill prospective export orders. The company said that the new Nashik plant will help meet future export commitments by dramatically enhancing output efficiency.
The launch of HAL’s Nashik production line marks a significant step towards India’s self-reliance in combat aircraft manufacturing. HAL is strengthening India’s standing as a competitive military exporter by increasing TEJAS MK-1A output through improved infrastructure and greater industry participation.
The increased capacity assures faster aircraft induction into the IAF while also building a strong platform to meet future international requests. This feat demonstrates India’s rising ability to design, manufacture, and sustain modern fighter aircraft solely on local platforms.
Detailed comparative analysis showing important enhancements of the TEJAS MK-1A over the previous TEJAS MK-1 variant:
