New Delhi: HAL Tejas Mk1A production is set to increase as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to build 30 Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft every year by 2027-28. The company says this production boost will help deliver aircraft faster to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The announcement was made by HAL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Dr. D. K. Sunil, who said the company is expanding production capacity while working closely with suppliers to meet the growing demand for Tejas Mk1A fighter jets.
Details of Tejas Mk1A Production
HAL’s immediate goal is to maintain a stable production rate of 24 Tejas Mk1A aircraft every year. Once this target is achieved, the company plans to increase production to 30 aircraft annually by the financial year 2027-28. This will allow HAL to deliver more fighter jets every year and reduce waiting time for the Indian Air Force.
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Why HAL Is Increasing Tejas Mk1A Production
The Indian Air Force needs more modern fighter aircraft to replace its ageing fleet.To meet this requirement, HAL has expanded its manufacturing facilities with:
- Modern assembly lines
- Advanced production tools
- Higher automation
- Improved vendor network
- Better supply chain management
These improvements will help the company manufacture aircraft faster without affecting quality.
Three Production Lines Now Operational
HAL now has three dedicated Tejas production lines at Bengaluru and Nashik. These facilities allow multiple aircraft to be assembled at the same time.
As a result, production time has reduced and manufacturing capacity has increased significantly.
GE F404 Engine Delay Still the Biggest Challenge
According to HAL, the biggest challenge is not aircraft manufacturing, but the delayed supply of GE F404-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace. To avoid production delays, HAL continues building aircraft by:
- Completing the airframe
- Installing avionics
- Integrating onboard systems
- Preparing aircraft for final engine installation
Once the engines arrive, the aircraft can be completed and delivered more quickly.
Engine Supply Expected to Improve
HAL expects engine deliveries to become more stable over the next two years. The company believes improved engine supply will help achieve its target of producing 30 Tejas Mk1A aircraft every year by 2027-28.
Current Tejas Mk1A Orders
HAL is currently manufacturing 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft under an existing contract with the Indian Air Force. The Government of India has also approved the purchase of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft, increasing the confirmed order book to 180 fighter jets. To support these orders, HAL has signed a contract for 113 additional GE F404-IN20 engines.
Why Tejas Mk1A Is Important for India
The Tejas Mk1A is India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft. It features:
- Modern AESA radar
- Advanced electronic warfare systems
- Better air-to-air combat capability
- Improved maintenance support
- Higher operational readiness
The aircraft will strengthen the Indian Air Force while reducing India’s dependence on imported fighter jets.
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