HAL’s Nashik Facility to Roll Out First LCA Mk1A by April-End
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to roll out the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A from its Nashik facility by the end of April 2025. This marks a significant step in boosting India’s indigenous fighter jet production and strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Expansion of LCA Mk1A Production
To meet growing demand, HAL has expanded production capabilities by setting up a new LCA Mk1A production line in Nashik, investing over ₹150 crore. This additional facility complements the two existing Bengaluru-based production lines, increasing the annual production capacity from 16 to 24 aircraft. The Nashik unit will contribute eight aircraft per year to this output, ensuring timely deliveries for the IAF.
Advanced Features of LCA Mk1A
The LCA Mk1A is an upgraded variant of the Tejas fighter jet, designed with enhanced avionics and combat capabilities. Key features include:
- Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar for superior target detection and tracking.
- Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) to counter threats effectively.
- Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missiles for enhanced combat range.
- Air-to-Air Refueling for extended mission capabilities.
Additionally, the aircraft will be equipped with advanced avionics, including a Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT), Software Defined Radio (SDR), and Operational Data Link (ODL) to improve situational awareness and mission effectiveness.
HAL Nashik’s Role in Defense Manufacturing
The Nashik facility has been instrumental in manufacturing and overhauling key fighter jets such as the Su-30 MKI and MiG-21 for decades. It has also played a crucial role in the repair and overhaul (ROH) of Su-30 MKIs to ensure their long-term operational readiness. Between 2000 and 2020, HAL Nashik produced 232 Su-30 MKI jets for the IAF.
With this new LCA Mk1A production line, HAL Nashik is set to expand its contribution to India’s self-reliance in defense technology, modernizing the IAF’s fleet while reinforcing the country’s indigenous defense manufacturing sector.
As HAL gears up for the first rollout of the LCA Mk1A, the development signals a major leap in India’s aerospace industry, ensuring that advanced homegrown fighter jets strengthen national security in the years ahead.
