LCA Tejas Mk-1A Production Set To Increase From 16 To 24 Every Year, As HAL Unveils New Assembly Line

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has inaugurated the third production line of LCA Tejas Mark-1A (Mk-1A), which is expected to increase its production capacity from the earlier 16 to 24, every year.

The new facility was inaugurated by Defence secretary Giridhar Aramane, in presence of HAL CMD C B AnanthaKrishnan.

The Indian Air Force, had in 2020, ordered 83 light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A at a cost of more than $5.2 billion, with the delivery starting in 2024.

These were in addition to the earlier ordered 40 LCA Tejas Mk-1. The first LCAs were inducted into the IAF's Number 45 Squadron ‘Flying Daggers’ in 2016. The second Tejas squadron — Number 18 Squadron ‘Flying Bullets’, was operationalised in May 2020.

LCA Mk-1A will be a more capable fighter than the original Mark 1 variant. Mark 1A variant of the LCA will come with around 40 major and minor improvements over Mark 1.

These improvements include the introduction of an active electronically-scanned array radar for detection of enemy aircraft at greater ranges and resistance to jamming, and a faster turnaround of each aircraft, after each sortie.

There are reports that the IAF is preparing to buy another 50 LCA Tejas Mk-1A after the completion of the current order of 83 jets.