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The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third Production Line of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A and the second Production Line of Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) at the Nashik facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on October 17, 2025.

He also flagged-off the first LCA Mk1A produced at the facility. \

In his address, Rajnath Singh said that  HAL Nashik has been playing a pivotal role in taking India’s defence manufacturing capabilities to newer heights for over six decades – from manufacturing and overhauling fighter jets such as MiG-21 & MiG-27 to becoming the production house of Su-30, terming the campus as a glowing symbol of self-reliance.

The ongoing construction of the LCA Tejas and HTT-40 aircraft is also the result of collaboration between various industry partners of the country. “This collaboration is proof that if the government, industries, and academia work together, no challenge is too big,” he said, acknowledging the trust placed by the Indian Air Force in aircraft such as Tejas and HTT-40

HAL Chief Test Pilot (fixed wing) Group Capt KK Venugopal (Retd) piloted the Tejas Mk1A sortie, which was followed by exhilarating aerial displays by Su-30MKI and HTT-40. The Tejas Mk1A also received a water cannon salute.

Background

HAL has operationalised the third LCA Mk1A production line in a record time of two years, fully equipping it with more than 30 structure assembly jigs for all major modules of the aircraft, including Centre Fuselage, Front Fuselage, Rear Fuselage, Wings and Air Intake. The line operates fully and can produce eight aircraft per annum. With the inauguration of the line, HAL will achieve a total production capacity of 24 aircraft per year.

HAL has established the second HTT-40 production line at Nashik. The assembly complex houses structure assembly shops for manufacturing Fuselages, Wings and Control Surfaces.

About HAL Nashik Division

The Division was established in 1964 for the license manufacture of MiG-21 fighter aircraft. The division has produced more than 900 aircraft and overhauled more than 1,900 military aircraft—from MiG-21 and MiG-27 to Su-30 MKI. With its extensive design, manufacturing, and integration capabilities, the division has successfully equipped the Su-30 MKI with additional indigenous armament, including the integration of BrahMos missiles.

It is a state-of-the-art facility that comprises a full gamut of aircraft manufacturing, overhaul, and design capabilities. The division has a legacy of providing full lifecycle support for its manufactured aircraft. Currently, the division is providing comprehensive Overhaul and Repair support for Su-30 MKI aircraft.