https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

First Tejas Mk‑1A Rolls Out from Nashik; Astra Missile Test Scheduled for August, Assures HAL CMD – Details Inside

HAL will roll out the first Tejas Mk‑1A from Nashik by July end. Astra missile test in August. Twelve deliveries planned this year.
Indian Masterminds Stories

New Delhi, 4 July 2025 – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will roll out the first Tejas Mk‑1A from its Nashik facility by the end of July. According to HAL CMD D.K. Sunil, “We expect the rollout in a month,” and Astra missile integration and test-firing are planned for early August. HAL aims to deliver 12 Mk‑1As this year despite ongoing engine supply constraints.

Production Expansion at Nashik and Bengaluru

Nashik is HAL’s third Mk‑1A production line, complementing two in Bengaluru. The facility is designed for eight jets annually, though it may produce three to four jets this year, as Sunil noted, “The first aircraft from Nashik is already in final assembly and under testing.” Private partners—VEM Technologies, Alpha, and L&T—will manufacture fuselages and wings, supporting six additional jets per year. Combined capacity from all lines targets 30 jets per year by 2026–27.

Engine Supply Issues and Rotational Strategy

GE’s delayed delivery of F404‑IN20 engines has impacted timelines. Six jets are ready and flying with rotating engines, Sunil confirmed, “We have already built six aircraft which are ready and flying.” GE delivered the first engine in March 2025 and committed to 12 engines this year, with two per month from July. This engine flow supports the 12-jet delivery target.

Also Read: India, Australia Partner on Cutting-Edge Towed Array Tech to Strengthen Indo-Pacific Vigilance

Astra Missile Integration: Milestone in August

The DRDO-developed Astra is an indigenous BVRAAM with over 100 km range. Sunil stated, “We need to have some of the other issues sorted out like the firing of the missile, the Astra missile, which we plan to do in August, early August.” Its successful integration will significantly boost Tejas’s combat capabilities.

Radar System Decision: ELTA vs Uttam AESA

HAL initially contracted 40 ELTA radars and planned a switch to Uttam AESA from the 41st jet. Certification delays prompted HAL to proceed with ELTA, following a DRDO directive issued in February 2024. Sunil emphasized, “If we wait and the systems still aren’t certified, we are left with no aircraft to hand over.” The 41st aircraft onwards will receive Uttam AESA, featuring 912 T/R modules and advanced beam steering.

Addressing ASQR Gaps and Certification Challenges

HAL and partner agencies – ADA, DRDO, IAF – are collaborating through joint reviews to close persistent ASQR gaps. The delays have persisted for over three years, with Sunil cautioning that pending ASQR closures increase project risk and complicate delivery scheduling.

Program Contracts and Future Outlook

The IAF has ordered 83 Mk‑1As under a ₹48,000 crore contract signed in 2021. A follow-up order of 97 aircraft worth ₹67,000 crore is under consideration. HAL now operates three production lines, with the goal of delivering 12 jets this year and ramping up to 30 annually by 2026–27. Addressing engine, radar, and ASQR challenges remains vital. The enhanced production model supports future programs such as Mk‑2 and AMCA. Export interest in Tejas Mk‑1A continues to grow.

Also Read: BrahMos Thiruvananthapuram to Join DRDO, Safeguard Jobs and Boost Indigenous Defence


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
POWERGRID Celebrates 36th Raising Day
POWERGRID Celebrates 36th Raising Day, Showcases Achievements in Power Transmission and Renewable Integration
Satpura Tiger Reserve
Satpura Tiger Reserve Sees New Tiger Cubs; Jhalai’s First Litter Captured
Madhya Pradesh Logo IM
Hotel & Resort Operators Can Now Conduct Jungle Safaris in MP Tiger Reserves
Sanjiv Bhatt Custodial Torture Case
Gujarat High Court Rejects Sanjiv Bhatt’s First-Class Prisoner Status Plea
Yogi Adityanath
Samarth Uttar Pradesh @2047: Over 53 Lakh Citizens Share Vision for Yogi Adityanath’s Prosperity Campaign
Haryana gov resized
Haryana Government Assigns Additional Charges to Three IAS Officers
Vishnu Deo Sai CM
Record-Breaking Diwali Trade in Chhattisgarh: Rs. 16,000 Crore Boost Fuels Economic Growth and 'Vocal for Local' Movement
CM Vishnu Sai Sohrai Karma Mahotsav 2025
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Sai Celebrates Sohrai Karma Mahotsav 2025, Announces Major Grants and Development Projects for Rautia Community
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-23 at 10.40
Everybody Needs To Know What Is Transpiring Behind Closed Doors Of Courts
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
UPSC Journey Should Be Enjoyable, Not Cumbersome
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
The Many Facets of Former IRS Officer and Author, Giselle Mehta | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Parmeshwar Chaudhary RAS
From Taunts to Triumph: How Farmer’s Son Parmeshwar Chaudhary Rose from Lab Assistant to SDM, Securing Rank 3 in RAS 2023
Parmeshwar, once taunted over his SI selection, has scripted a stunning success—securing Rank 3 in RAS...
IAS Rupal Rana UPSC
How Rupal Rana Cracked UPSC CSE 2023 with AIR 26 After Four Attempts
UPSC Topper Rupal Rana secured AIR 26 in 2023 after four attempts. Learn her preparation strategy, booklist,...
Ankita Parashar RAS 2023
4 Attempts, 1 Dream, 0 Excuses: Meet RAS Topper Ankita Parashar, Who Fulfilled a Daughter’s Promise & Secured Rank 2 | Exclusive Interview
Ankita Parashar, a teacher-turned-officer from Pushkar, fulfilled her late father’s dream by securing...
Social Media
IFS Parveen Kaswan
Heartbreak by the River: 15-Day-Old Elephant Calf Rejected by Mother, Rescued by IFS Parveen Kaswan and His Team
Jaldapra, West Bengal: In a moving incident that tugs at the heart, a 15-day-old elephant calf was rescued...
Ashwini Bhide IAS and Anand Mahindra
Who Is IAS Ashwini Bhide, Hailed as a Role Model for Mumbai Metro Transformation by Anand Mahindra?
From heritage to high-tech: Bhide’s leadership in Metro Line 3 earns public praise and admiration
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
POWERGRID Celebrates 36th Raising Day
POWERGRID Celebrates 36th Raising Day, Showcases Achievements in Power Transmission and Renewable Integration
Parmeshwar Chaudhary RAS
From Taunts to Triumph: How Farmer’s Son Parmeshwar Chaudhary Rose from Lab Assistant to SDM, Securing Rank 3 in RAS 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-23 at 10.40
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-19 at 12.23
WhatsApp Image 2025-10-16 at 15.16
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT