NASHIK: The primary Tejas-Mk1A fighter plane produced at protection PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Restricted’s (HAL) Nashik complicated accomplished its maiden flight right here on Friday. The plane was rolled out after protection minister Rajnath Singh formally inaugurated the LCA and HTT-40 (coach plane) meeting complexes right here.The formal induction of Tejas-Mk1A into the Indian Air Power (IAF), nevertheless, will depend upon the profitable completion of ongoing weapon and radar integration trials.
Tejas-Mk1A fighter plane
Nashik now hosts the third LCA manufacturing line and the second HTT-40 manufacturing line. The rollout occasion, which included a conventional water cannon salute for the Mk1A, comes at the same time as HAL races to satisfy Tejas-Mk1A supply timelines for the IAF. The plane should clear trials involving the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, short-range missiles, and laser-guided bombs. The pre-induction checks may also validate integration with the Israeli-origin ELTA ELM-2052 radar and fire-control system. Earlier checks had encountered software-related snags, prompting modifications earlier than remaining validation.The Mk1A rollout from Nashik is a part of HAL’s broader manufacturing ramp-up plan. Along with its two operational traces in Bengaluru, HAL has established a 3rd line at Nashik, designed to provide as much as eight plane yearly. The PSU has additionally developed a parallel private-sector provide chain — VEM Applied sciences (centre fuselage), Alpha (rear fuselage), and L&T (wings) — to assist a further six plane annually. As soon as stabilized, this ecosystem is projected to allow annual manufacturing of 30 fighters from 2026-27.HAL is presently grappling with delays within the supply of 99 GE F404 engines contracted in Aug 2021 for Rs 5,375 crore. Solely 4 engines have been acquired up to now. GE has assured the provision of eight extra engines by March 2026 and round 20 engines per yr thereafter. Regardless of the lag, HAL maintains that it has managed to maintain manufacturing shifting by rotating accessible engines for take a look at flights.The preliminary order for 83 Tejas Mk1A plane, cleared in 2021, was to be delivered between 2024 and 2028. In Aug 2025, the Cupboard Committee on Safety accredited a further 97 Mk1A fighters for Rs. 66,500 crore, taking the overall order to 180 plane.Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has repeatedly flagged the urgency of latest inductions, saying the IAF is “very badly off in numbers” and wishes a minimum of 40 fighters a yr to maintain fight readiness. HAL officers have stated they’re assured of assembly this requirement as soon as the manufacturing ecosystem stabilizes and integration points are resolved.Friday’s occasion additionally noticed a formation flying of the Tejas-Mk1A, HTT-40 and Su30-Mki.