Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to boost the production of Tejas Mk-1A fighters by 50 percent. HAL intends to increase the production of Tejas Mk-1A fighters by one and a half times. Currently, HAL operates three production lines dedicated to manufacturing these Indian aircraft.
Here’s What We Know HAL will now be capable of producing 24 fighters annually instead of 16. Indian Defence Minister Giridhar Aramane and Managing Director Anantha Krishnan attended the inauguration ceremony of the new facility.
In 2020, the Indian Air Force placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk-1A light multi-role fighters valued at $5.2 billion, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2024. Previously, India had ordered 40 Tejas Mk-1s.
The first squadron was established in 2016, followed by the second squadron four years later. The Tejas Mk-1A incorporates approximately 40 significant enhancements compared to the Tejas Mk-1.
Notably, it features an active antenna phased array radar, which will expand the detection range of enemy aircraft. The Indian Air Force is exploring the possibility of procuring an additional batch of 50 fighters. Moreover, Egypt, Argentina, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have expressed interest in the Tejas Mk-1A.