Made in India, Tejas Mk1A fighter jet takes maiden flight in Nashik, boosting India’s air power, defence self-reliance

The indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jet successfully completed its maiden flight on Friday in Nashik, Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone in India’s fighter aircraft programme. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was present at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility to witness the flight and inaugurate HAL’s third production line for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), signalling a ramp-up in domestic defence manufacturing.

The Tejas Mk1A is expected to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities, particularly after the phasing out of two squadrons of ageing MiG-21 jets. The IAF had earlier ordered 40 Tejas aircraft, with two squadrons already operational. In 2021, an order for 83 Mk1A jets was placed, and deliveries commence with Friday’s rollout. A fresh order signed in September added 97 more fighters, bringing the total to 180 jets to be delivered by 2034.

HAL has completed successful flight trials of the Mk1A, including tests with the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, ASRAAM, and precision-guided bombs. Ten aircraft are already on the assembly line, and engine supply issues are being addressed with four engines available and eight more expected from General Electric this year. The Mk1A, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, features AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, glass cockpit, and 64 per cent indigenous components, reflecting the government’s ‘Make in India’ push.

Alongside the Mk1A launch, HAL’s second production line for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft was inaugurated, signalling a broader expansion of India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The Mk1A serves as a bridge to the upcoming HAL Tejas Mk2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), reinforcing India’s goal of defence self-reliance.