Tejas Mk-1A, the indigenous fighter aircraft manufactured by government aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), successfully completed its maiden flight from the HAL plant in Nashik on Friday. This flight is being considered as another big step towards self-reliance in India’s defense sector.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil said that Tejas Mark-1A is a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft completely based on indigenous technology. He said that considering the technical capability and performance of this aircraft, many foreign countries have shown keen interest in purchasing it.

What did the Chairman of HAL say?

D.K. According to Sunil, “Today we have an aircraft which is capable from every aspect. It is equipped with state-of-the-art radar system, strong weapon capability and modern avionics. It is not only a state-of-the-art fighter jet but its maintenance and upgrade can also be done in India because HAL has complete control over both its software and hardware.” Is.”

Comparing Tejas Mark-1A with the old MiG-21 Bison, the HAL chief said that this aircraft is a generation leap in India’s defense technology.

#WATCH Nashik, Maharashtra | On the difference between Tejas LCA Mark 1A and MiG 21 Bison, HAL Chairman & Managing Director Dr DK Sunil says, “… It’s quite a jump in technology. In terms of the kind of electronics, avionics that the Tejas has, it is a four and a half… pic.twitter.com/BGpBenfMSL

— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2025

He said, “Tejas Mark-1A is approximately a four-and-a-half generation (4.5 generation) aircraft. It includes state-of-the-art AESA radar, electronic warfare (EW) suite and advanced missile systems. The MiG-21 was very capable in its time, but Tejas is much more advanced and multifunctional as per the needs of the modern era.”

Many countries showed interest in Tejas

D.K. Sunil further said that many countries have shown initial interest in Tejas. He said, “We are currently in talks with various countries. The kind of response we have received in the initial phase itself is very encouraging. Foreign buyers are seeing it as a highly capable and reliable aircraft. We are also showing them what new capabilities India can add to this aircraft.”

According to the HAL chief, the company has been entrusted with the production of a total of 180 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft. A target has been set to complete this production work by 2032-33. After this, HAL is planning to start production of LCA Mark-2 (Tejas Mk-2).

He said, “We expect the production of Tejas Mark-1A to be completed by 2032-33 and at the same time construction of LCA Mark-2, which will be an even more advanced and powerful version, will begin.”

Features of Tejas Mark-1A

Tejas Mark-1A is an indigenous and advanced designed light combat aircraft. It is an advanced version of the LCA developed in India and is considered a fourth generation multi-role fighter. Fast, manoeuvrable and highly accurate, this aircraft is capable of operations day and night and in all weather conditions.

It can carry more than 5.5 tonnes of armed payload and can accurately strike multiple targets at the same time. Tejas Mark-1A has state-of-the-art capabilities like new AESA radar, beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite and air-to-air refueling. It is being manufactured in the country itself. In such a situation, changes can be made as per the need only while staying in the country.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully completed the testing of India’s most advanced fighter jet ‘Tejas MK-1A’ in Nashik district of Maharashtra. The Air Force is going to get this fighter jet soon. Its most special thing is that missiles can be fitted at 9 places in its wings, due to which it is capable of attacking multiple targets simultaneously.

How much does a Tejas cost?

According to reports, the average price of each Tejas Mark-1A is around Rs 600 crore. Its speed is 2200 km per hour, which is almost twice as fast as sound. It is not only extremely agile but is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

More than 65% of equipment is made in India

LCA Mark 1A is an upgraded version of Tejas aircraft. New avionics systems and modern radar technology have been installed in it. The special thing is that more than 65% of its equipment is made in India, making it a completely indigenous aircraft.

Air Force will get Tejas MK-1A

This fighter jet will be handed over to the Air Force on Friday (October 17, 2025) in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. This aircraft has been jointly produced by more than 500 domestic companies of the country, hence it is being called ‘Indigenous Tejas’.

Deal worth Rs 62,370 crore, Tejas will replace MiG-21

On September 25, the Central Government has given the contract to HAL to manufacture 97 additional Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets. This deal is worth Rs 62,370 crore. Tejas will replace the old MiG-21 fleet of the Air Force. The MiG-21 was retired on September 26, having participated in the 1971 war, Kargil and many important missions in 62 years of service.

Will be deployed on Pakistan border

There is a plan to deploy Tejas MK-1A at Nal Airbase in Bikaner, Rajasthan. This place is near the Pakistan border, due to which its deployment is considered very important strategically.

PM Modi has also flown in Tejas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew in Tejas fighter jet in Bengaluru on 25 November 2022. He became the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. Before the flight, he also visited HAL plant in Bengaluru.

The Ministry of Defense ordered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Thursday (25 September 2025) to make 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MK1A (Tejas) fighter jet for the Indian Air Force. For this, the central government signed a deal of Rs 62,370 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics, which does not include tax.

When will Tejas Mark 1A be delivered from?

These 97 LCA MK1A aircraft include 68 single seater fighter jet and 29 double seater trainer aircraft. The delivery of these aircraft will start from 2027-28 and will be completed in six years. These will use more than 64 percent indigenous goods and 67 new indigenous equipment, which is a big step towards promoting self -sufficient India initiative.

The contract has been signed by the Cabinet Committee on Security Affairs (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about a month after this major purchase was approved. This is the second such deal done with this government veteran company in the aerospace sector.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has received an order for Tejas Fighter Jet from the Ministry of Defense. In February 2021, the central government ordered HAL 83 Mark 1A. For this, a deal of Rs 46,898 crore was done, for which time till 2028 was fixed.

Mark 1A will replace MiG-21

MK-1 A with single engine will replace MiG-21 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force. The Indian Air Force wants to include these fighter aircraft as its number of fighter squadron has been officially reduced from 42 to 31. The MiG-21 aircraft will retire on 26 September 2025. It played an important role in the 1971 war, Kargil and many big missions during the 62 -year service.

HAL has recently received a third JE-404 engine for LCA-MK1A (Tejas MK1A) and is expected to get another engine soon. LCA’s MK1A version will further advance fighter avionics and air -to -air fuel.

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The Cabinet Committee on Security Affairs, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a deal of Rs 62,000 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and a 62,000 crore to purchase 97 and light fighter aircraft (LCA MK-1A). After this fighter aircraft is received by the Indian Air Force, the strength of the army will increase manifold.

Let us know that the single engine Tejas 4.5 generation delta wing is a multi -roll combat aircraft. It is designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency ADA and HAL is building it. Tejas Mark 1A is Advance from Tejas Mark 1.

How powerful LCA MK-1A is

Tejas supersonic combat aircraft is the smallest and lightest fighter jet in this segment in the world. Its maximum speed is 1.8 Mac and its combat range is 1200 kilometers. In this, fuel can be filled in the air itself, due to which its range becomes about 3000 kilometers.

This aircraft can fly up to a height of 50,000 feet. Tejas can take off with different weapons of 6,500 kg, including rockets, air to air missiles, weapons Mark-1 and many other missiles. BrahMos NG is being prepared at the Air to Ground, including anti -radiation, anti -ship missile, prince guided bomb, laser guided bomb and unwell bombs.

MiG-21 will be retired in September

LCA MK-1A will replace the Indian Air Force MiG-21 fighter jets. The fourth largest air force in the world is going to retiring its last prestigious MiG-21 fighter jets in September, which will end its 62-year journey and the Sevamti ceremony will be held in Chandigarh.

First LCA MK-1A ready to fly soon

The first LCA MK-1A, built in Nashik-based HAL’s new production line, is ready to take the first flight soon. The first LCA MK-1A manufactured in the government aircraft manufacturer Bangalore is a target of handing over to the Indian Air Force in September after a delay of nearly 18 months.

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