Rajnath Singh Inaugurates New LCA Tejas Mk1A, HTT-40 Production Lines at HAL Nashik

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today inaugurated two major aircraft production lines at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)—the third for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A and the second for the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40)—marking a significant leap in India’s drive towards defence self-reliance. The event also witnessed the flagging off of the first Tejas Mk1A built on the new line.

Calling the Tejas Mk1A a “shining symbol of Atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing,” Singh said India had moved decisively from being a major importer of military hardware to becoming a net producer of advanced platforms.

“A decade ago, India relied heavily on foreign defence imports. Today, we’re producing over 65% of our defence equipment domestically, and our aim is to reach 100%,” Singh said, crediting the government’s emphasis on indigenisation, innovation, and industry participation.

Boosting Production and Employment

Established in a record time of just two years, the new Tejas Mk1A line is equipped to manufacture all major modules—including the fuselage, wings, and air intake assemblies—and can produce eight aircraft annually, taking HAL’s total LCA capacity to 24 aircraft per year.

The new HTT-40 line, meanwhile, bolsters India’s capability in the basic trainer aircraft segment, further reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. Both aircraft are designed, developed, and produced entirely in India, showcasing the maturity of the domestic aerospace ecosystem.

According to HAL CMD D.K. Sunil, the Nashik expansion has created over 1,000 new jobs and established partnerships with more than 40 local industries, reinforcing HAL’s role in building an inclusive public-private defence manufacturing network.

Tejas Mk1A: A Leap in Indigenous Fighter Technology

The Tejas Mk1A represents a major technological upgrade over the baseline variant, featuring state-of-the-art avionics, advanced radar, enhanced maintainability, and a wider weapons envelope. Developed jointly by HAL, ADA, DRDO, and the Indian Air Force, it is a cornerstone of the IAF’s modernisation programme.

The aircraft rolled out today and completed a successful sortie piloted by HAL’s Chief Test Pilot (Retd) Group Captain K.K. Venugopal, followed by a ceremonial water cannon salute. The event also included aerial displays by the Su-30MKI and HTT-40, underscoring India’s growing indigenous aerospace strength.

HAL’s Role in Operation Sindoor

The Defence Minister commended HAL’s critical contribution during Operation Sindoor, where the company ensured round-the-clock maintenance support for IAF assets at forward locations. HAL’s Nashik division, he noted, had played a pivotal role in integrating BrahMos missiles onto Su-30MKI fighters, a capability successfully employed during the operation.

“HAL’s contribution during Operation Sindoor demonstrated not just engineering excellence but strategic responsiveness. It is what true self-reliance in defence means,” Singh said.

HAL’s Expanding Vision

Singh also highlighted HAL’s digital transformation into a paperless, sustainable facility, along with the establishment of a joint MRO centre in Nashik for both civil and military aviation, which is expected to drive new employment and regional growth.

Describing the new production lines as a “collaborative triumph of government, industry, and academia,” he emphasised the need for continued synergy to meet future security and industrial goals.

“No challenge is insurmountable when we work together. Tejas Mk1A and HTT-40 are not just aircraft, they are proof of India’s industrial strength, technological confidence, and strategic foresight,” he declared.

India’s Defence Manufacturing Trajectory

India’s defence production has grown from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014–15 to over Rs 1.5 lakh crore in 2024–25, with exports touching a record Rs 25,000 crore. The government now targets Rs 3 lakh crore in production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029.

Looking ahead, Singh urged HAL to continue expanding into unmanned systems, advanced avionics, and civil aviation, ensuring that the company remains a driver of next-generation aerospace innovation.

“As warfare evolves with AI, drones, and autonomous systems, HAL must stay ahead of the curve, not just in defence, but across the broader aerospace domain,” he said.

Team BharatShakti