NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday inaugurated the third production line of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A at the Nashik facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aimed at increasing the production of the indigenous fighter jet.
This development holds particular significance as LCAs are intended to fill the gaps in combat squadrons created by the retirement of MiG fighter variants.
The Ministry of Defence stated, "The line operates fully and can produce eight aircraft per annum. With the inauguration of the line, HAL will achieve a total production capacity of 24 aircraft per year."
The announcement comes amid concerns over the declining combat fighter strength, which has caused unease among Indian Air Force leadership. The last MiG-21 squadron (23 Squadron) was phased out in September, bringing the current number of fighter squadrons below 30.
As reported earlier by The New Indian Express, the advanced LCA Mk1A integrates Uttam active electronically steered array (AESA) radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, and control actuators, with over 64 percent indigenous content and 67 new indigenous components.
On Friday, the Defence Minister also inaugurated the second production line of the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) and flagged off the first LCA Mk1A produced at the facility.
In his address, the Defence Minister described the flight of the state-of-the-art aircraft as a shining symbol of India's growing Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence.
Highlighting the transformation of the defence sector over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he asserted that the country, which once imported 65–70 percent of critical military hardware, is now manufacturing 65 percent of the equipment domestically. He voiced the Government's resolve to achieve 100 percent domestic manufacturing in the future.
Rajnath Singh noted that India previously depended "on other countries for critical equipment and cutting-edge systems, which increased costs and created strategic vulnerabilities."
The Defence Minister stated that annual defence production, which was worth Rs 46,429 crore in 2014–15, has surged to a record figure of over Rs 1.50 lakh crore in 2024–25, with exports reaching an all-time high of Rs 25,000 crore from less than Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago. "We have now set a target of increasing defence manufacturing to Rs 3 lakh crore and exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029," he added.
The Tejas is a lightweight, single-engine, multirole platform designed to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike operations. The LCA Mk1A will feature updated avionics, an upgraded electronic warfare suite, and beyond visual range missile capability. The new variant will be capable of deploying a range of weapons from extended stand-off distances.
The Indian Air Force had ordered 83 LCA Tejas Mk1A at a cost of Rs 46,000 crore in 2021. Once this order is completed over the stipulated 15-year period, the IAF will possess 40 LCA Mk1, over 180 LCA Mk1A, and at least 120 LCA Mk2 aircraft.
Officially, the IAF is meant to maintain 42 combat squadrons to meet all potential operational challenges, with a squadron comprising 16–18 aircraft.
On the evolving nature of modern warfare, Rajnath Singh said, "India must always stay ahead in this new race, and not lag behind," and urged HAL to expand into next-generation aircraft, unmanned systems, and civil aviation, rather than limit itself to the LCA Tejas or HTT-40.
Highlighting HAL's contribution during Operation Sindoor, the Minister cited one of the rare instances in Indian military history when the entire defence system was tested simultaneously.
"Operation Sindoor was one such mission. Our forces not only demonstrated valor and commitment, but also displayed their confidence in indigenous platforms. HAL provided support at various operational sites 24 hours a day during the operation. It ensured the Indian Air Force's operational readiness by carrying out prompt maintenance on fighter jets and helicopters. The Nashik team performed the crucial task of installing the BrahMos missile on the Su-30, which destroyed terrorist hideouts during the operation. This proved that when it comes to national security, we can make our own equipment and protect ourselves with it," said Rajnath Singh.
The Defence Minister further pointed out that the ongoing production of the LCA Tejas and HTT-40 aircraft is also the result of collaboration between various domestic industry partners. "This collaboration is proof that if the government, industries, and academia work together, no challenge is too big," he said, acknowledging the trust placed by the Indian Air Force in aircraft such as Tejas and HTT-40.
