The defence minister inaugurated HAL's third production line for Tejas Mk1A and the second production line for the HTT-40 aircraft. LCA Mk1A, the advanced variant of Tejas, is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet with improved combat avionics
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flags off the first made-in-India Tejas Mk1A fighter jet from the newly inaugurated production facility at HAL in Nashik. PIC/PTI
The maiden flight of Tejas Mk1A jet at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)’s Nashik campus on Friday marked a key moment in India’s defence self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, while also announcing that the country’s defence exports have reached a record Rs 25,000 crore.
Inaugurated the 3rd Production Line of LCA Mk1A & 2nd Production Line of HTT-40 at HAL Nashik today and Flagged off the first LCA Mk1A produced at the facility⁰⁰LCA Mk1A is a shining symbol of India’s growing Aatmanirbharta in defence. https://t.co/Uoa8rNrNr5 pic.twitter.com/i1Rszk6z9J
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 17, 2025
“Our defence export, which used to be less than 1,000 crore rupees, has now reached a record 25,000 crore rupees. We have now set a target to achieve 3 lakh crore rupees in domestic defence manufacturing and 50,000 crore rupees in defence exports by 2029: Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh,” Singh’s office shared in a post on X.
The defence minister inaugurated HAL's third production line for Tejas Mk1A and the second production line for the HTT-40 aircraft, news agency ANI reported.
“Today marks the inauguration of HAL's third production line for the Mk1A and the second production line for the HTT-40 aircraft. Congratulations to everyone on this occasion. The land of Nashik is historic -- Lord Shiva resides here in the form of Trimbakeshwar. This land is not only one of faith and devotion but has now become a symbol of self-reliance. HAL here stands as a symbol of the nation's defence strength,” said Singh.
Praising the transformation of the Nashik facility, he added, “Once, this place was known for producing MiG aircraft, but today it has become a modern production hub for Sukhoi jets. HAL has played the role of a strong pillar for India.”
Reflecting on the flights he witnessed, the defence minister said, “When I witnessed the flights of the SU-30, Mk1A, and HTT-40 today, my heart swelled with pride. This is a true example of self-reliance.”
Singh also drew a connection between Nashik’s spiritual heritage and its modern defence role.
“In this campus, one can see the spirit of Lord Shiva -- on one hand, it represents defence manufacturing, and on the other, it embodies the power to destroy enemies,” stated the Union Minister.
LCA Mk1A, the advanced variant of Tejas, is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet with improved combat avionics, air-to-air refuelling capabilities, and the ability to undertake air defence, ground attack, and maritime strike missions.
(With ANI inputs)
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