-Third LCA Mark1A and second HTT-40 production lines inaugurated
New Delhi, 17 October (H.S.): India achieved a major milestone in aviation and defence self-reliance on Friday as the long-awaited Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A successfully completed its maiden flight in Nashik, Maharashtra.
In the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the indigenous aircraft received a traditional water salute to showcase India’s growing aerospace capabilities. After the flight, the Defence Minister officially inaugurated the third production line for the LCA Tejas Mark 1A and the second production line for the HTT-40 at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Nashik. This expansion is expected to significantly accelerate aircraft production.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Singh said, “The HAL Nashik unit produces the LCA Tejas Mark 1A and the HTT-40. To expedite manufacturing of both aircraft, the third production line for the LCA Tejas and the second for the HTT-40 are being inaugurated today.” He added, “Nashik is a historic land, where Lord Shiva resides as Trimbak. Nashik has become a symbol of faith, devotion, self-reliance and capability. Here, HAL represents the nation’s defence power. When I saw the Sukhoi-30, LCA Tejas and HTT-40 flying together today, my chest swelled with pride.”
On September 25, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth ₹62,370 crore with HAL for an additional 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A aircraft and associated equipment. This is in addition to a previous deal for 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets signed during Aero India in Bengaluru on February 3, 2021, bringing the total order to 180 aircraft. While HAL had initially targeted producing 16 jets per year under the first order, the new contract has prompted preparations to manufacture up to 32 jets annually, necessitating the new production line inaugurated by the Defence Minister.
According to HAL, the LCA Tejas Mark 1A incorporates 43 distinct improvements across its avionics, weaponry and maintenance systems. It will feature a state-of-the-art AESA radar, an upgrade over the Israeli EL/M-2032 radar used on the original Tejas Mark 1.
The initial batch will be fitted with the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar, while subsequent aircraft will feature the indigenous Uttam radar. The Mark 1A will also be equipped with an Israeli ELL-8222 jammer pod to disrupt radar signals from beyond-visual-range (BVR) or surface-to-air (SAM) missiles — a critical enhancement for modern air combat. Its weapons package will include advanced short-range and BVR missiles, 500 kg laser-guided bombs (LGBs) and unguided bombs for air-to-ground strikes.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
