Tejas Mk1A Takes Flight as India Ramps Up Fighter Jet Production for IAF
Tejas Mk1A completes maiden flight as HAL ramps up production for Indian Air Force.
India’s indigenously developed Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet successfully completed its maiden flight from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Nashik, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s defense capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the second production line for the Hindustan Turbo Trainer and the third for the Tejas Mk1A, emphasizing the importance of perseverance with his remark, “Landing is more important than takeoff.” While the Indian Air Force (IAF) induction date remains pending, HAL has committed to delivering 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft over the next four years, despite earlier delays due to supply chain issues with American engines.
The Tejas Mk1A, a lightweight, single-engine fighter jet, is designed for agility and versatility, excelling in air-to-air combat, ground attack missions, and reconnaissance with advanced sensors. Equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhanced electronic warfare systems, mid-air refueling, and over 50% indigenous components, the Mk1A represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor. HAL’s first Tejas Mk1 delivery to the IAF occurred in 2015, followed by a Rs 48,000 crore contract in 2021 for 83 Mk1A jets, with a new Rs 62,370 crore deal in September 2025 for 97 additional aircraft, including 68 fighters and 29 trainers, set for delivery from 2027.
The expansion of production facilities, including the Nashik plant opened in 2023, underscores HAL’s commitment to meeting the IAF’s urgent needs, especially after the retirement of two MiG-21 squadrons on September 26, 2025. The MiG-21, India’s first supersonic fighter, served as the backbone of the IAF for over six decades, with its final flights marked by the Badal and Panther formations in Chandigarh. With the IAF now operating only 29 squadrons, the Tejas Mk1A’s induction is poised to significantly enhance India’s air combat strength, addressing critical gaps in its defense capabilities.
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Rajnath Singh’s remarks tied the Tejas program to the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, emphasizing sustained effort to achieve national goals. Despite setbacks from delayed engine supplies from GE, resolved in late 2025, HAL’s steady production momentum signals a robust future for indigenous defense manufacturing. As the Tejas Mk1A prepares for IAF integration, it stands as a symbol of India’s technological prowess and strategic self-reliance in an increasingly complex global security landscape.
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