7th Tejas Mk1A Aircraft Rolls Out, Marking Key Milestone for HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defense aviation program with the successful rollout of the 7th Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A jet, designated LA-5039. This event, which took place on March 25, 2025, showcases the progress of HAL’s ambitious Tejas program, demonstrating the company’s accelerated production capabilities despite challenges, particularly engine delivery delays.
The Tejas Mk1A, a more advanced variant of the Tejas LCA, is an essential part of India’s defense modernization efforts. The first Tejas Mk1A aircraft, LA-5033, took to the skies over a year ago, and now, the seventh unit has been rolled out, marking a rapid pace in the aircraft’s production. At the recent Aero India 2025 exhibition, HAL showcased five fully assembled Tejas Mk1A jets, signaling the company’s readiness to increase its production rate.
Accelerating Aircraft Production at HAL
The speed with which HAL is rolling out Tejas Mk1A jets is particularly impressive considering the ongoing supply chain challenges, including delays in engine deliveries. HAL’s efficient handling of these challenges demonstrates the organization’s ability to manage large-scale production and meet the Indian Air Force’s requirements on time. The company is also simultaneously manufacturing Tejas Trainer variants, which are crucial for training IAF pilots, further showcasing its multitasking capabilities.
Future Production Plans and Expanding Capabilities
In the coming months, HAL’s Nashik facility is expected to roll out its first Tejas Mk1A aircraft, marking another important step in expanding the company’s production capacity. This decentralization will help meet the growing demand, ensuring that the IAF receives the necessary fleet of Tejas Mk1A jets under the ₹48,000 crore contract for 83 jets signed in 2021. HAL’s ongoing efforts to ramp up production underscore its commitment to strengthening India’s defense capabilities and achieving self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing.
