New Delhi | Oct 16,2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
In a landmark moment for India’s defence sector, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive its first Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet on Friday, marking a significant leap in the country’s indigenous military aviation programme.The advanced combat aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will be formally handed over to the IAF at a ceremony in Nashik, Maharashtra, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
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A Major Boost to India’s Indigenous Defence Programme
The Tejas Mk-1A, an enhanced version of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), symbolizes India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The aircraft will replace the IAF’s recently retired MiG-21 fleet, which was officially phased out on September 26, ending over six decades of service.
Equipped with advanced avionics, modern radar systems, improved weapons capability, and a sophisticated electronic warfare suite, the Tejas Mk-1A promises superior combat performance. The fighter jet boasts a top speed of over 2,200 km/h, offering enhanced operational flexibility across multiple mission profiles.
HAL Confirms Completion of Flight and System Tests
According to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, all flight and system tests for the Tejas Mk-1A have been successfully completed. The aircraft integrates several indigenous technologies and will be capable of carrying a range of Indian-made weapon systems — including the BrahMos missile — highlighting India’s progress toward defence self-sufficiency.
HAL officials stated that production is steadily ramping up, aided by the delivery of four GE-404 engines from General Electric, with eight more expected by the end of the fiscal year.
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Deployment and Large-Scale Production
The first batch of Tejas Mk-1A aircraft will likely be deployed at the Nal Air Base in Bikaner, Rajasthan, located near the Pakistan border — a region of strategic importance.
In a major contract signed on September 25, the Ministry of Defence approved a ₹62,370 crore deal with HAL for 97 Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets, including 68 single-seater and 29 twin-seater trainer variants.
This large-scale acquisition is expected to strengthen the IAF’s combat readiness and support India’s defence industrial base. HAL also revealed that 65% of the aircraft’s components are indigenously produced, underscoring the company’s commitment to domestic manufacturing.
Towards a Self-Reliant Future
The induction of the Tejas Mk-1A marks the beginning of a new era for the Indian Air Force. As deliveries accelerate, India moves closer to its vision of self-reliance in defence production and reducing dependence on foreign imports.
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