Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to achieve a significant milestone in India’s indigenous aerospace sector with the inaugural flight and formal delivery of the first two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS MK-1A fighters to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 17, 2025. The event will be inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who will also oversee HAL’s advanced manufacturing processes.
The TEJAS MK-1A program is a vital element of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance in aerospace. The project faced delays in the past due to shortages of GE F404-IN20 engines sourced from the United States. However, the arrival of new engines in mid-2025 has enabled HAL to accelerate the assembly process, resulting in the completion of 11 single-seat fighters and 9 trainer aircraft by August 2025. The current delivery target is set at 12 aircraft by December 2025, with additional units expected in March 2026.
This initiative is part of a substantial ₹48,000 crore procurement agreement established in 2021, encompassing 83 aircraft — including 73 fighter jets and 10 dual-seat trainers. The TEJAS MK-1A deliveries are among the most significant indigenous defense acquisitions in India’s history. The upgraded variant is anticipated to considerably enhance the IAF’s combat readiness, operational flexibility, and capability in network-centric warfare.
The MK-1A variant boasts several improvements over its predecessor, including:
– An Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for multi-target engagement and enhanced situational awareness.
– A state-of-the-art electronic warfare suite equipped with self-protection jammers and passive sensors.
– A modern glass cockpit featuring multifunction displays, a helmet-mounted display system, and Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) controls.
– A stealth-oriented design characterized by a reduced radar cross-section and an advanced composite airframe, aimed at achieving higher strength and fuel efficiency.
Fueled by the GE F404-IN20 engine, the TEJAS MK-1A can reach speeds up to Mach 1.8, with a combat radius exceeding 500 km and a total ferry range of nearly 1,700 km. The aircraft is designed for various missions, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and maritime operations. It is compatible with both indigenous and imported weaponry, such as the Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile and precision-guided bombs. Future upgrades include the integration of the BrahMos cruise missile, which will significantly enhance the aircraft’s long-range strike capabilities.
Defence analysts have referred to the TEJAS MK-1A as the “Arjun of the skies,” emphasizing India’s advancing capabilities in high-end fighter manufacturing and indigenous aerospace innovation. The new fighter plays a crucial role in bridging the gap toward future platforms, including the TEJAS MK-2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The introduction of the TEJAS MK-1A will modernize the IAF’s light fighter fleet, reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, and bolster India’s strategic autonomy in defense aviation.
