On October 17, 2025, India makes a notable advancement in its defence manufacturing sector as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) officially transfers the first two Tejas MK 1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The ceremony, set to take place at the HAL production facility in Nashik, Maharashtra, will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, highlighting the government's strong dedication to Atmanirbhar Bharat—India's initiative for self-sufficiency in defence production.
The Tejas MK 1A: Next Generation Indigenous Fighter
The Tejas MK 1A signifies a considerable enhancement over its predecessor, the Tejas MK 1A. It features advanced capabilities designed for contemporary aerial combat, including:
An Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for improved target detection and tracking.
A sophisticated Electronic Warfare (EW) suite aimed at threat identification and self-protection.
The ability for air-to-air refuelling, significantly increasing operational range.
A digitally re-engineered cockpit with wide-area displays and enhanced ergonomics for pilots.
An advanced quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control system for exceptional handling and manoeuvrability.
This multi-role fighter is prepared to perform air defence, precision strike, and maritime missions, rendering it a versatile asset in the IAF's inventory.
Journey to Delivery: Overcoming Challenges
The path to this achievement was not without its challenges. The production schedule faced delays primarily due to a shortage of GE-404 engines sourced from the United States. Nevertheless, with the arrival of new engine shipments in mid-2025, HAL was able to navigate these obstacles and increase production at its Nashik facility.
As of August 2025, HAL had successfully completed 11 MK1A single-seat units and nine trainer aircraft. The Nashik plant is now aiming to deliver 12 aircraft by the close of 2025, with additional deliveries anticipated through March 2026.
Strategic Contract and Production Scale
The delivery of the initial two jets is part of a significant contract established by the Ministry of Defence in February 2021, valued at approximately ₹48,000 crore for 83 Tejas MK1A aircraft—comprising 73 fighter jets and 10 trainers. This represents one of the largest indigenous defence procurement initiatives in the history of India, aimed at modernizing the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet. HAL’s facility in Nashik has greatly improved its production capacity, now able to manufacture between 8 to 16 jets each year. The Tejas MK1A incorporates over 65% indigenous content, including avionics and digital flight control software developed in collaboration with Indian partners such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Importance for Indian Air Force
Currently, the IAF operates with only 31 active squadrons, while the sanctioned strength is 42. The introduction of the Tejas MK1A is timely, as the IAF is facing the retirement of older aircraft like the MiG-21, which will further diminish squadron strength. Once delivered, the two jets will undergo extensive flight and weapons trials, including tests with Astra and ASRAAM missiles, prior to their formal integration into operational squadrons by 2026. This will signify the commencement of a new chapter for the IAF, embracing indigenous technology and enhancing combat readiness.
Boost to Indigenous Defence Ecosystem
In addition to its military importance, the Tejas MK1A program significantly bolsters India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem by creating thousands of jobs and incorporating over 500 private sector companies into the supply chain. The success of this program enhances India's standing in aerospace technology and contributes to economic growth in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Ceremony and Outlook
The handover ceremony at HAL Nashik is anticipated to be a momentous and historic occasion. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to visit the manufacturing facility, engage with HAL engineers and technicians, and observe firsthand the capabilities that India has developed indigenously over the past decade.
This achievement signifies the beginning of a new era of homegrown combat aircraft for India’s Air Force, showcasing years of committed development, surmounting obstacles, and establishing a strong domestic defense industrial foundation.
The deployment of the Tejas MK1A will improve India’s aerial combat capabilities and stand as a representation of national pride.
