HAL Unveils First TEJAS MK-1A Fighter Jet From New Nashik Production Line: International Media
HAL engineers seen undertaking final inspection before the historic test flight of TEJAS MK-1A
In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous aerospace industry,
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has rolled out the first TEJAS MK-1A
fighter aircraft from its newly established production line in Nashik,
Maharashtra.
The aircraft, designated LA‑5043, has successfully cleared all
pre‑flight tests and is set to be formally presented to Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh.
The Nashik facility marks HAL’s third production line for the Light Combat
Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS program, following the Bangalore units. Established in
2023 under the Aircraft Manufacturing Division, the Nashik line is designed to
accelerate deliveries of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) 180‑unit TEJAS MK-1A
order, ensuring completion by 2032–33. Currently capable of producing eight
aircraft per year, the division plans to scale up output to ten annually as
operations mature.
HAL officials stated that the new line was set up by refurbishing existing
assets—hangars, manpower, and machinery—alongside an internal investment of
approximately ₹500 crore to meet the specific technological requirements of
the TEJAS MK-1A variant.
The facility spans nearly 1.3 million square feet and has been commissioned in
record time by leveraging internal resources.
The Nashik Assembly Line integrates full‑spectrum manufacturing capabilities,
including the fabrication of sheet metal and CNC parts, precision‑machined
assemblies, pipelines, welded structures, and canopy units.
Over 30 structural assembly jigs support the construction of major modules
such as the centre fuselage, front and rear fuselage, wings, and air intakes.
The establishment of the third production line has also strengthened the Make
in India initiative, generating around 1,000 new jobs and fostering
collaboration with over 40 private firms across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and
Madhya Pradesh.
HAL reported that 40% of the total workload has been allocated to industry
partners, reinforcing the government’s policy of public‑private partnership in
defence production.
The expanded production capacity not only ensures timely delivery of aircraft
to the IAF but also positions HAL to cater to potential export orders. The
company confirmed that the new Nashik facility will support future export
commitments by significantly increasing output efficiency.
The inauguration of HAL’s Nashik production line represents a major strategic
advancement in India’s self‑reliance drive for combat aircraft manufacturing.
By expanding TEJAS MK-1A output through optimised infrastructure and deeper
industry participation, HAL is solidifying India’s position as a competitive
defence exporter.
The enhanced capacity ensures faster aircraft induction into the IAF while
establishing a robust framework to meet prospective international orders. This
achievement underscores India’s growing capability to design, produce, and
sustain advanced fighter aircraft entirely on domestic platforms.
Detailed comparative analysis highlighting key improvements of the TEJAS MK-1A
over the earlier TEJAS MK-1 variant:
| Category | TEJAS MK‑1 | TEJAS MK‑1A | Key Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Light multirole fighter (baseline version) | Multirole light combat aircraft (enhanced variant) | Enhanced multirole capability with upgraded avionics |
| Radar System | Israeli EL/M‑2032 mechanically scanned radar | Indigenous Uttam AESA radar | Improved target tracking, range, and detection in all weather conditions |
| Electronic Warfare Suite | Limited self‑protection jammer and radar warning receiver | Digital Radar Warning Receiver (DR118), Self‑Protection Jammer, and Countermeasure Dispensing System | Full‑spectrum EW capability for improved survivability |
| Avionics Architecture | Federated system | Open architecture with Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) | Easier upgrades and integration of new systems |
| Flight Control | Triplex digital Fly‑by‑Wire | Quadruplex digital Fly‑by‑Wire | Higher redundancy and safety margin |
| Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile | Derby (limited integration) | Astra Mk‑1 and Astra Mk‑2 (indigenous) | Indigenous long‑range missile compatibility |
| Cockpit Display | Three MFDs and limited HUD functionality | Large Area Display (LAD) and multifunction touchscreen panels | Simplified pilot interface and situational awareness |
| Fuel Capacity | ~2,458 kg internal | Increased with new drop tank arrangement | Extended range and endurance |
| Refuelling System | Optional | Integrated Air‑to‑Air Refuelling probe (fix‑fit) | Longer operational radius |
| Maintenance and Turnaround | Time‑intensive maintenance cycle | Modular maintenance approach with quick access panels | 40% reduction in turnaround time |
| Weapons Payload | Up to 3,000 kg | Up to 3,500 kg | Increased load‑carrying capacity |
| Defence Communication | Conventional radio-based | Software‑Defined Radio with data‑link capability | Real‑time network‑centric warfare integration |
| Production Rate | 8 units per year (Bengaluru lines) | 24+ units per year (Bengaluru + Nashik) | Tripled production output for faster delivery |
| Operational Life | Approx. 20 years | Over 30 years (due to structural reinforcements) | Extended service life and lower life‑cycle cost |
| Export Readiness | Limited | Fully export‑compliant with custom configurations | Enables global marketing and foreign acquisitions |
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