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6h ago

HAL to Fly First Nashik-Built Tejas Mk-1A on Friday as IAF Handover Ceremony Is Planned

Production ramp-up now hinges on timely GE-404 engine arrivals plus completion of Astra and BrahMos integration.

Tejas Mk1A copy
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Overview

  • The maiden flight at HAL’s Nashik facility is scheduled in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with a formal handover event planned.
  • HAL says all Tejas Mk-1A flight and system tests are complete, marking a key step toward operational induction.
  • The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 62,370 crore order for 97 Mk-1A jets to help replace retired MiG-21s and rebuild fighter strength.
  • Officials report recent GE-404 engine deliveries, with HAL citing four received and more expected this fiscal year to power the initial batch.
  • Reports differ on near-term delivery to the IAF, with one account flagging continued delays even as flight and ceremony proceed; initial deployment is expected at Nal Air Base in Bikaner.