HAL's TEJAS MK‑1A to Make Maiden Flight on October 17; Defence Minister to Lead Inauguration

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to achieve a significant milestone in India's indigenous aerospace efforts with the first flight and official delivery of the two initial Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS MK-1A fighters to the Indian Air Force (IAF) scheduled for October 17, 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the event and assess HAL's advanced manufacturing facilities.

The TEJAS MK-1A program, an integral part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat aerospace initiative, previously encountered delays due to a shortage of GE F404-IN20 engines from the United States. However, with new engines arriving by mid-2025, HAL has accelerated assembly, producing 11 single-seat fighters and 9 trainer aircraft by August 2025. The delivery plan aims for 12 aircraft by December 2025, with further units expected by March 2026.

This effort is part of a ₹48,000 crore procurement contract signed in 2021, covering the delivery of 83 aircraft—73 fighters and 10 dual-seat trainers. This represents one of India's largest indigenous defense procurements and is anticipated to significantly enhance the IAF's combat readiness, operational flexibility, and network-centric warfare capabilities.

The MK-1A variant includes numerous advancements compared to its predecessor:

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for improved multi-target engagement and situational awareness.
• An advanced electronic warfare suite featuring self-protection jammers and passive sensors.
• A modern glass cockpit equipped with multifunction displays, a helmet-mounted display system, and HOTAS controls.
• A stealth-oriented design with a reduced radar cross-section and an advanced composite airframe for greater strength and fuel efficiency.

Equipped with the GE F404-IN20 engine, the TEJAS MK-1A can achieve speeds up to Mach 1.8, with a combat radius surpassing 500 km and a ferry range of nearly 1,700 km. It is capable of executing air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and maritime missions. The aircraft is compatible with both indigenous and imported weapons, including the Astra BVR missile and precision-guided bombs. Future integration plans include the BrahMos cruise missile, which will significantly bolster long-range strike capabilities.

Experts have praised the TEJAS MK-1A, referring to it as the “Arjun of the skies,” and highlighting India's advancing capabilities in high-end fighter production and indigenous aerospace innovation. This fighter serves as a bridge towards future platforms like the TEJAS MK-2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The inaugural flight and induction of the TEJAS MK-1A are set to modernize the IAF's light fighter fleet, reduce reliance on foreign vendors, and strengthen India's strategic autonomy in defense aviation.