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New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) achieved a milestone towards India’s defence self-reliance as the indigenous fighter jet Tejas Mark-1A (Mk-1A) took off from Nashik on Friday. The aircraft made its maiden flight from the HAL plant.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the flight, ushering in a new era in India’s fighter jet manufacturing. HAL formally handed over the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF), kicking off the induction of the nation’s next-generation indigenous fleet.
The LCA Tejas Mark 1A is replacing the Indian Air Force’s recently retired MiG-21 fleet. It is the latest variant of India’s homegrown Tejas fighter. The jet has been jointly developed by HAL and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The upgraded version has advanced avionics and systems, including Advanced AESA Radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array) which helps in superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities compared to traditional radars.
The jet will also an enhanced electronic warfare suite, and mid-air refuelling capability. It also has BVR (Beyond Visual Range) combat readiness and can engage enemy aircraft at long distances with advanced air-to-air missiles. The jet has an upgraded flight control system.
Tejas Mk-1A has modern glass cockpit. It can carry air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles, precision-guided bombs, and 3,500 kg of conventional weapons and external stores across eight hardpoints. It can reach speeds of Mach 1.8.
With over 65 percent of indigenous content, the Tejas Mk-1A marks a major milestone in the Modi government’s 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' campaign to boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
HAL has launched a third production line in Nashik for the LCA Mark-1A, apart from its two Bengaluru facilities. This expansion is aimed at accelerating deliveries and meet the Indian Air Force’s growing demand for homegrown fighter jets. Over the years, HAL’s Nashik aircraft manufacturing division has produced hundreds of Soviet- and Russian-origin fighters, ranging from the MiG-21 to the Sukhoi Su-30MKI.
In August, the central government had given its nod for the purchase of 97 more LCA Mark-1A aircraft for around Rs 62,000 crore, adding to the earlier order of 83 jets valued at about Rs 48,000 crore. Once delivered, the total order of 180 aircraft will become India’s largest-ever homegrown fighter jet procurement.
