Historic Milestone Achieved as First Centre Fuselage for Tejas Mk 1A Delivered to HAL

Bengaluru, May 30, 2025 – In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, the first centre fuselage for the Tejas Mk 1A fighter aircraft has been successfully delivered to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), marking a key milestone in the production of the advanced Light Combat Aircraft.

The centre fuselage was handed over by VEM Technologies, a Hyderabad-based defence and aerospace firm, in a formal ceremony at their facility. This event signifies a major step forward in the assembly and delivery timeline for the much-anticipated Tejas Mk 1A, which is a modernised variant of the original Tejas fighter jet developed under India’s LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) program.

Tejas Mk 1A Takes a Leap in Indigenous Production

The Tejas Mk 1A represents the next generation of India’s indigenously designed fighter jets, incorporating advanced avionics, improved maintainability, enhanced survivability, and state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems. The handover of the centre fuselage — the structural core of the aircraft that connects the front and rear sections — is critical to the accelerated production plans that HAL has laid out.

According to officials from HAL, the integration of this centre fuselage with other aircraft modules will now pave the way for final assembly, ground testing, and eventual flight trials. The delivery reflects growing private sector involvement in India’s defence sector, in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiatives.

Private Sector Participation Strengthens Tejas Mk 1A Program

VEM Technologies, which manufactured and assembled the centre fuselage, plays a vital role in India’s evolving defence ecosystem. The company has established a fully integrated facility spanning over 250,000 square feet dedicated to aerospace and defence production.

Speaking on the occasion, a senior official from VEM stated, “This successful delivery of the centre fuselage for the Tejas Mk 1A underscores our commitment to India’s defence manufacturing goals. Our team has worked tirelessly to meet quality and timeline requirements, and we are proud to contribute to a platform that strengthens national security.”

The company’s involvement is seen as a significant achievement for India’s private defence industry, which is increasingly being entrusted with complex aerospace responsibilities traditionally managed by state-owned enterprises.

HAL Prepares for Full-Scale Production of Tejas Mk 1A

With the first centre fuselage in place, HAL is poised to ramp up production of the Tejas Mk 1A variants, with an order book of 83 aircraft placed by the Indian Air Force (IAF). These jets are expected to replace ageing MiG-21 aircraft and bolster the IAF’s combat readiness.

The Tejas Mk 1A features several upgrades over its predecessor, including an AESA radar, advanced self-protection systems, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capability, and improved flight performance. These enhancements will significantly elevate the aircraft’s operational role in both air defence and offensive operations.

Strategic Impact of Tejas Mk 1A on Indian Defence

The successful handover of the centre fuselage is not just a manufacturing achievement—it’s a strategic milestone. The Tejas Mk 1A program is central to India’s long-term vision of developing a self-sufficient and technologically advanced defence infrastructure.

Experts suggest that timely production and deployment of the Tejas Mk 1A will not only reduce dependence on foreign suppliers but also strengthen India’s deterrence capabilities in a rapidly evolving regional security environment.

The indigenous fighter jet is a symbol of technological progress and strategic autonomy. Each successful component delivery, like this centre fuselage, reinforces India’s position as an emerging aerospace manufacturing hub.

Future Outlook for Tejas Mk 1A Program

The future of the Tejas Mk 1A program appears promising, with HAL expected to deliver the first batch of fully assembled jets by early 2026. The government’s continued support for defence indigenisation, along with private sector collaboration, ensures a robust supply chain for upcoming aircraft components.

HAL has also indicated the potential for export of the Tejas Mk 1A to friendly foreign nations, showcasing the growing global confidence in Indian defence platforms.

Conclusion

The delivery of the first centre fuselage for the Tejas Mk 1A marks a major accomplishment in India’s aerospace journey. It highlights the synergy between public and private sectors in building a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem. As the Tejas Mk 1A nears its production phase, the nation moves a step closer to realising its goal of a strong, indigenously equipped Air Force.