HAL Tejas Program Back On Track? First Nashik Built Mk 1A Variant Likely To Fly Next Month

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's new production facility in Nashik is preparing for a milestone as the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A manufactured at the site is scheduled for its maiden flight in mid-July, media reports said.

The state-owned aircraft manufacturer is also targeting delivery of the first Bengaluru-produced LCA Mk-1A to the Indian Air Force between July and August, marking a significant step forward despite delays of nearly 16 months from the original timeline.

"The Nashik production line will roll out four to five Mk-1A fighters this year, followed by eight annually from next year onwards. It will help us make up for the delay in deliveries due to factors including US firm GE Aerospace's inability to supply F404-IN20 engines on time and some pending certifications," Hindustan Times quoted a senior official, as saying.

The expanded production capacity represents a major boost for India's indigenous fighter programme. While HAL's Bengaluru facility can manufacture 16 Mk-1As annually, the new Nashik line could potentially increase total production to 24 aircraft per year.

Meanwhile the Indian Air Force, which operates around 30 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42, has expressed concerns over the programme's pace. The service ordered 83 Mk-1A fighters for ₹48,000 crore in February 2021 and plans to procure an additional 97 aircraft for approximately ₹67,000 crore.

HAL has manufactured six LCA Mk-1As in Bengaluru for the 83-aircraft order, with one equipped with GE's F404-IN20 engine expected for delivery to the IAF in July-August.

GE Aerospace had shuttered its F404-IN20 production line due to lack of orders but faced the complex task of restarting operations and re-engaging global supply chains when HAL placed its 2021 order for 99 additional engines.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has repeatedly voiced frustration over project delays across India's defence sector. Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2025, he stated he could not recall "a single instance of a project being executed on time."

In February, Singh questioned HAL's ability to meet the air force's requirements, expressing he had "no confidence" in the plane maker regarding timely deliveries.

The LCA programme represents the cornerstone of IAF's future combat capabilities, with plans to operate around 350 LCAs across Mk-1, Mk-1A, and Mk-2 variants in coming decades. The Mk-1A, classified as a 4.5-generation fighter, features digital radar warning receivers, external self-protection jammer pods, superior radar systems, and advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles.

The government has also approved an industry partnership model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's fifth-generation stealth fighter programme, opening opportunities for private sector participation alongside public sector entities.