More trouble for Pakistan, China as HAL prepares third Tejas Mk1A Line, plans to make 24 Jets yearly by…

In a significant boost to its manufacturing capabilities and the success of modernised weapon in the recent Operation Sindoor, state-owned aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is aiming to produce 24 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets annually from 2027. This move is also seen as HAL’s dedication to strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing sector, a key goal of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative.

This increased output capacity is linked to the anticipated clearance of an additional order for 97 more units of the advanced light combat aircraft by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This prospective order would supplement an existing 2021 contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets.

To facilitate this enhanced production rate, HAL has operationalised a third assembly line at its facility in Nashik, Maharashtra. This new line is projected to contribute eight aircraft per year, complementing the 16 units annually produced at its two existing facilities in Bangalore. This strategic expansion is designed to ensure HAL can meet the IAF’s increasing requirements for the Tejas Mk1A.

Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), featuring significantly improved avionics, advanced radar systems, and enhanced weapon-carrying capabilities. The addition of the Nashik line is a crucial step in scaling up to meet the demands of the armed forces.

Furthermore, HAL has outlined contingency plans to partner with private sector firms for the assembly of certain aircraft sections. This collaborative approach would be implemented if the IAF necessitates an annual production figure exceeding the planned 24 jets.

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