Lagatar24 Desk
Nashik: In a significant milestone for India’s defence sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday inaugurated the new production facility of the Tejas LCA MK-1A fighter aircraft in Nashik, Maharashtra, and witnessed its first flight from the site. The event marked the formal launch of HAL’s third Tejas production line and the second production line for the HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft.
New Production Line Boosts Capacity
The Nashik facility will manufacture eight Tejas aircraft annually, increasing Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s total production capacity to 24 aircraft per year. Previously, Tejas fighter jets were produced only in Bengaluru, where 16 aircraft are built annually. Rajnath Singh also inaugurated additional production lines for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft, strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
Defence Minister Calls It a Proud Moment
Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh praised Nashik as a symbol of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India). He said, “Today, I witnessed the flight of Sukhoi-30, LCA Tejas, and HTT-40 aircraft manufactured at Nashik. My chest swelled with pride. This is India’s flight of self-reliance.” He highlighted how India, which once relied on imports for defence equipment, is now producing advanced fighter jets, missiles, engines, and electronic systems domestically under the Make in India initiative.
