HAL’s Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jet to Make First Flight on October 19 in Nashik

India’s homegrown Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas Mk1A, is set to take its first flight on October 19, 2025. This significant milestone will be marked at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Nashik, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially inaugurating the event.

Tejas Mk1A: Strengthening India's Indigenous Air Power

The Tejas Mk1A represents a bold stride forward in India’s defence modernisation with an emphasis on self-reliance. A 4.5-generation multirole fighter aircraft, the Mk1A incorporates advanced avionics, cutting-edge radar, and electronic warfare systems. 

Capable of flying at Mach 1.8 or around 2,200 km/hour, the aircraft is engineered for speed, agility, and precision. Notably, it is also being integrated to support the BrahMos new-generation cruise missile, significantly increasing its offensive potential.

Tailored for modern aerial warfare, the Mk1A showcases stealthy features and aims to operate effectively in diverse combat scenarios. This latest variant drives the Make in India initiative, reinforcing military autonomy through indigenous development.

Production Expansion: HAL’s Commitment to Defence Goals

Beyond the first flight event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also inaugurate HAL's third production line for the Tejas Mk1A and a second line for HTT-40 trainer aircraft. This expansion boosts manufacturing capacity and reflects HAL's preparedness to meet defence delivery targets efficiently.

HAL now targets delivering all 83 Tejas Mk1A jets ordered by the Indian Air Force within 4 years. The expansion of production facilities is crucial to meet this commitment at a time when fleet modernisation is a national priority.

Read More: India and Australia Deepen Strategic Partnership with New Defence Pacts!

Challenges in Execution: Supply Chain and Engine Delays

Despite the technological and strategic progress, the Mk1A programme faced production delays. HAL encountered issues with the timely availability of F404-IN20 engines sourced from General Electric, USA. 

The supply pace averaged 1–2 engines monthly, slowing aircraft assembly. These bottlenecks were the key reason the February 2024 delivery timeline slipped, though HAL now plans to meet targets over the next 4 years.

Conclusion

The Tejas Mk1A’s maiden flight signals a notable breakthrough in India’s journey toward defence self-reliance. By combining indigenous design with global capabilities, the aircraft strengthens India's combat readiness while supporting long-term technological growth. Inauguration of extended production lines highlights HAL’s steadfast role in fulfilling future IAF needs.

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