On October 17, 2025, the first Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft produced at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik facility successfully completed its maiden flight. This event marks a major milestone in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing program and highlights the country’s growing expertise in advanced aerospace technology. The aircraft was rolled out shortly after the formal inauguration of HAL’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and HTT-40 trainer aircraft assembly complexes by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This flight demonstrates India’s progress toward self-reliance in defense production and modernizing its air combat capabilities.
Advanced features of the Tejas Mk1A
The Tejas Mk1A incorporates over 40 improvements over the earlier Mk1 variant. Key upgrades include the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, developed indigenously by DRDO’s LRDE laboratory, improved electronic warfare suites, air-to-air refueling capability, and an advanced weapons suite. The aircraft can carry sophisticated missiles such as the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), and there are plans to integrate the ASRAAM in the near future, enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat readiness. In addition, improved avionics, mission systems, and safety features ensure the aircraft meets modern operational requirements.
Integration trials and operational readiness
While the maiden flight is a significant achievement, the Tejas Mk1A is not yet fully operational. Essential integration trials for weapons systems, radar, and mission avionics are still ongoing. Earlier in 2025, the Astra Mk-1 missile was successfully test-fired from the Tejas Mk1A, demonstrating the aircraft’s capability to handle modern air-to-air combat weapons. Further trials are necessary to validate all systems under operational conditions. Once completed, the aircraft will be cleared for induction into active IAF squadrons.
Production and delivery plans
HAL has established a third production line at its Nashik facility to accelerate the manufacture of Tejas Mk1A aircraft. This line is expected to produce eight aircraft annually, supplementing the existing production lines in Bengaluru. The first batch of Tejas Mk1A jets is expected to be delivered to the Indian Air Force by March 2026. Over time, production will scale up to meet the IAF’s total requirement of 83 Mk1A aircraft, significantly strengthening India’s air defense capabilities.
The successful maiden flight of the Tejas Mk1A demonstrates India’s growing self-reliance in aerospace and defense technology. While integration trials for weapons and radar continue, the aircraft’s development represents a major step toward operational induction. Once fully deployed, the Tejas Mk1A will enhance the IAF’s combat readiness, provide a modern alternative to imported fighter jets, and strengthen India’s strategic defense capabilities. The aircraft also reflects India’s ambition to become a global leader in aerospace innovation.
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