India’s indigenous fighter jet Tejas Mk1A successfully completes maiden flight

NEW DELHI: India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A successfully completed its maiden flight at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik facility. HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil said that several foreign countries have shown interest in purchasing the aircraft.

Speaking to the media after the first flight, the chairman said it took two years to build the first aircraft, and two more jets are currently under production. HAL plans to deliver 180 aircraft by 2032–33. He also mentioned that work on the advanced LCA Mk2 version is in progress, with production expected to begin by 2032–33.

The first flight was conducted in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and the aircraft was welcomed with a water salute. After several test flights, the Mk1A will be equipped with missiles, radar systems, and advanced surveillance equipment. The minister also inaugurated HAL’s third Tejas production plant and a second facility for manufacturing the HTT-40 trainer aircraft in Nashik.

Key Features of Tejas Mk1A

• Top speed: 2,200 km/h
• Single-seater jets: 68
• Twin-seater jets: 29
• 4th generation, single-engine aircraft
• U.S.-made engine
• Weight: 13,300 kg
• Mid-air refuelling capability
• Payload capacity: 4 tonnes (including missiles)
• Equipped with advanced electronic warfare and early warning systems