The Tejas Mk1A fighter jet is set to create history as it takes off from its Nashik facility on October 17.
Tejas Mk1A fighter jet: In a significant development for the Indian Air Force and a matter of bad news for China and Pakistan, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is all set to mark a significant event with the maiden flight of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. Planning to take off from its Nashik facility on October 17, the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet is set to create history. Here are all the details you need to know about the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet of IAF.
According to HAL’s official invitation, the event will be marked by the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at HAL’s manufacturing Division, Nashik, Maharashtra, marking the inauguration of HAL’s third production line for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The facility, HAL officials said, will help the firm to supply the 180 LCA Mark 1A aircraft ordered by the Indian Air Force by the scheduled timeframe of 2032-33. The facility, which has the capacity to produce eight aircraft per annum, can be extended to 10 aircraft per year. The establishment of the third Line of LCA at its Aircraft Manufacturing Division in Nasik commenced in 2023.
“The infrastructure and facility are established with the utilisation of existing resources such as Hangar, Manpower, Machinery, etc of Nasik Division, with an additional internal investment of approximately Rs 500 Crore, which were specific to the technological requirements of LCA MK1A aircraft,” the officials said.
However, officials have confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will not be getting the delivery of the Tejas Mk1A, a report by IANS news agency said.
Why Indian Air Force has not received Tejas Mk1A aircrafts?
Readers should note that despite this maiden flight of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A, the IAF continues to face delays in the jet delivery due to the disruptions in the supply of GE F404 engines from the United States.
