By the end of April 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to launch the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS MK-1A from its Nashik facility. The Nashik unit joins two existing lines in Bangalore as the third production line for the TEJAS MK-1A, marking a key milestone in India’s domestic defence manufacturing sector.
In April 2023, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane officially opened the new production line, which is anticipated to increase HAL’s yearly production capacity from 16 to 24 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft.
To make room for the new production line, the Nashik facility has been expanded at a cost of more than 150 crore. The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities will be greatly enhanced by this expansion, which will allow HAL to build eight more TEJAS MK-1A fighters each year.
With cutting-edge capabilities like electronic warfare systems, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the TEJAS MK-1A is a powerful tool for the IAF.
However, supply chain problems, especially with the purchase of GE F404-IN20 engines from the US, have caused delays in the project. HAL is striving to steady production and satisfy the IAF’s increasing demands in spite of these obstacles. It is expected that India’s air power will increase and its standing as a significant player in the global aerospace sector will be strengthened with the launch of the first TEJAS MK-1A from Nashik.
Apart from producing the TEJAS MK-1A, the Nashik facility is essential for maintaining and modernising other aircraft, like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, which is still a vital part of the IAF’s fleet. HAL Nashik’s significance in strengthening India’s aerial defence capability is shown by this dual focus.
