In a significant milestone for India's indigenous defence manufacturing and Make in India initiative, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the first centre fuselage assembly for the Tejas Mk1A from Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies. This development marks a major step forward in the production of 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, a project under a ₹48,000 crore deal signed in February 2021 with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The centre fuselage handover took place at HAL’s Hyderabad facility on May 30, 2025. This addition is expected to significantly expedite jet production timelines, especially after previous delays in the project. The delivery of the centre fuselage by a domestic private-sector company not only ensures increased production capabilities but also solidifies India's growing defence self-reliance.

The Strategic Importance of Indigenous Fuselage Production

The delivery of this indigenous fuselage assembly reinforces India’s aspiration to become self-reliant in defence production. This is in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. With an annual increase of around 10% in defence production and export capabilities, the Defence Ministry is betting on the private sector’s role in reducing import dependency.

Until now, the Tejas Mk1A was being manufactured primarily at HAL’s facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik. With VEM Technologies now contributing a full-scale fuselage assembly, the speed and volume of production are expected to ramp up considerably. HAL is targeting the delivery of 16 jets per year, aiming to complete all 83 jets by 2028.

Tejas Mk1A: Next-Gen Upgrade of India's Indigenous Jet

The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the original Tejas Mk1, developed by HAL and designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). This advanced variant features enhanced radar systems, better avionics, superior electronic warfare capabilities, and integrated modern weapons systems.

While the original Mk1 series helped India reduce its reliance on foreign-made jets like the MiG-21, the Mk1A represents a leap toward cutting-edge air combat capabilities. Despite the IAF already operating 36 Tejas Mk1 fighters (from an original order of 40), no Mk1A variants have yet been delivered due to supply chain and manufacturing delays.

Critical Moment Post Operation Sindoor and India-Pakistan Tensions

This development comes shortly after Operation Sindoor, wherein India launched retaliatory strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. India also successfully used its air defence systems, including S-400 missile systems, to counter airspace violations, before a ceasefire was mutually agreed upon.

The military and geopolitical context has increased urgency for India to bolster its domestic defence preparedness. Strengthening HAL’s capabilities to deliver advanced jets like the Tejas Mk1A is now seen not only as a matter of industrial development but of national security and deterrence.

Official Statements and Defence Strategy

Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), emphasized India’s continued growth in the defence sector, stating that the country is recording double-digit annual growth in defence production and exports. This momentum is expected to gain further speed with more public-private partnerships like the one with VEM Technologies.

Meanwhile, IAF Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh acknowledged ongoing issues in timely project completions. Speaking at a recent media briefing, he noted, "I cannot recall a single project completed on time. Even at the contract stage, we are often aware that the deadlines are unachievable, and that compromises the entire process."

His remarks reflect deep-rooted challenges in India’s defence procurement ecosystem, which the HAL-VEM Tejas Mk1A milestone hopes to help resolve.

Tejas Mk1A vs Tejas Mk1

While both variants share the same airframe design, the Mk1A distinguishes itself with:

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar

• Self-protection jammer

• Mid-air refueling capability

• Improved maintainability

• Better flight performance and combat survivability

These upgrades are expected to give the IAF a much-needed edge in regional air superiority scenarios.

Future Outlook and Delivery Timelines

According to the February 2021 agreement, HAL is to manufacture 73 fighter variants and 10 trainer variants of the Tejas Mk1A. The first delivery was originally scheduled for March 2024, but delays postponed it. Now, with the Hyderabad and Nashik lines fully operational alongside Bengaluru, the delivery target is reset with 2028 as the new deadline for completing the full order.

The new plan calls for the production and delivery of at least 16 Tejas Mk1A units per year, beginning in 2025. This will be a litmus test for HAL’s scalability, supply chain efficiency, and the private sector's role in national defence.

A Symbol of National Pride and Export Potential

The Tejas project has evolved into a symbol of national capability and pride. It also carries immense potential for international defence exports, with countries in Southeast Asia and Africa expressing interest in acquiring the aircraft. With streamlined production and improved timelines, India can project Tejas Mk1A as a viable export product in the global market.

Furthermore, HAL and ADA are also working on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, a fifth-generation fighter, where lessons from Tejas Mk1A production are expected to be instrumental.

Conclusion

The handover of the first centre fuselage for the Tejas Mk1A is more than just a logistical milestone — it's a strategic advancement in India's journey toward self-reliance in defence. As HAL gears up to meet the revised delivery targets, the successful integration of private-sector firms like VEM Technologies signals a new era of collaborative indigenous defence production.

In a rapidly changing regional security landscape, especially following Operation Sindoor and heightened tensions with Pakistan, projects like Tejas Mk1A represent not just technological progress but strategic resilience. With enhanced features, renewed production capabilities, and export ambitions, Tejas Mk1A is poised to redefine India’s aerial combat readiness and global defence stature.

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