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HAL Advances Tejas Mk-1A Deliveries, Targets Mk-2 First Flight in Q3 2027: CMD
HAL Advances Tejas Mk-1A Deliveries, Targets Mk-2 First Flight in Q3 2027: CMD
Sputnik India
India’s aerospace major has built 29 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft, is progressing with certification activities and is advancing plans for the Tejas Mk-2, SJ-100... 10.10.2026, Sputnik India
2026-10-10T12:43+0530
2026-10-10T12:43+0530
2026-10-10T14:03+0530
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hindustan aeronautics limited (hal)
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has outlined progress across its military aircraft and civil aviation programmes, with the Tejas Mk-1A in advanced stages of production and certification and the Tejas Mk-2 moving towards its first flight, targeted for the third quarter of 2027.The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A was in the advanced stages of series production and certification, while the company also is working with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other stakeholders to complete the remaining activities and begin deliveries at the earliest, CMD Ravi K. said in responses to Sputnik India.Tejas Mk-1A: 29 Aircraft ProducedHAL had produced 29 LCA Mk-1A aircraft so far, with the integration of required hardware and modifications for additional capabilities completed, Ravi K. stressed.However, design validation and associated software certification activities remain under way, he noted.Multiple iterations of missile and launcher software, the electronic warfare (EW) suite and the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar software supplied by Israel's ELTA had been carried out as part of the platform certification process, according to Ravi K.HAL is working with the IAF, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) and other stakeholders to complete the outstanding activities, the company's chairman said.The Mk-1A is an upgraded variant of the indigenous Tejas fighter, featuring enhancements intended to improve its operational capabilities.Tejas Mk-2 Prototype Under ConstructionHAL described the LCA Mk-2 as the next major step in India's indigenous fighter aircraft development programme. The multirole, all-weather, 4.5-generation combat aircraft is designed primarily for air superiority and ground attack, with reconnaissance as a secondary role.The aircraft is intended to replace the IAF's Mirage 2000, Jaguar and MiG-29 fleets. Key features include an AESA radar, an internal electronic warfare suite with a jammer, network-centric warfare capabilities, infrared search and track (IRST) and a missile approach warning system (MAWS).HAL is ADA's principal industry partner for the design and manufacture of Mk-2 prototypes and the programme's progression towards operational clearance.The first prototype is currently under construction at HAL. An engine ground run is planned for March 2027, followed by a first flight in the third quarter of 2027.AMCA Programme Led by ADAOn the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's planned fifth-generation stealth fighter programme, HAL's CMD said the project was being driven by ADA.The company did not provide further details on the programme's development milestones in its response.SJ-100: HAL & UAC Advance Production DiscussionsHAL is also exploring opportunities in the civil aviation market, including the proposed licensed production of Russia's SJ-100 regional aircraft in India.HAL and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) signed a memorandum of understanding in October 2025 to collaborate on licensed production of the aircraft.The two companies jointly showcased the SJ-100 at Wings India in Hyderabad in January 2026 and signed a teaming agreement that month to advance their cooperation.HAL said discussions with UAC were continuing on the technical and commercial aspects of establishing an SJ-100 production facility in India, Ravi K. underscored.HAL Broadens Civil Aviation Portfolio"HAL is positioning civil aviation as a growth area, drawing on decades of aerospace expertise, certified manufacturing infrastructure and lifecycle support capabilities," CMD Ravi K. asserted.Its portfolio includes the Dhruv NG and Civil Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), alongside the Hindustan-228 and the proposed SJ-100 production programme.The Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne twin-engine civil helicopter featuring DGCA-certified Shakti 1H1C engines, a civil-certified glass cockpit and modern avionics.The Civil LUH is a 3-tonne-class single-engine helicopter designed for general aviation across varied terrain and weather conditions. It features a modern glass cockpit and EASA-certified Ardiden 1U engines, with civil certification work progressing.The Hindustan-228 is a 19-seat commuter aircraft with short take-off and landing (STOL) capability, designed for regional connectivity. HAL has manufactured and supported more than 150 Do-228 aircraft. The company said the H-228 was the first Indian civil-certified aircraft to be exported. Four aircraft are operating in Guyana, while the civil Do-228 variant serves Alliance Air in India's north-eastern region.Nashik MRO Expansion Targets Civil Aviation DemandHAL is expanding its civil maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure at Nashik, leveraging its defence maintenance experience, digital systems, tooling and skilled workforce.The company has partnerships with airlines, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and third-party MRO providers. It has also partnered with Airbus to establish an A320 C-check facility at Nashik, strengthening its presence in the civil aircraft maintenance market.HAL's plans span indigenous fighter development, potential commercial aircraft manufacturing and civil aviation support services, although progress remains dependent on certification milestones, development schedules and final production arrangements.
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HAL Advances Tejas Mk-1A Deliveries, Targets Mk-2 First Flight in Q3 2027: CMD
12:43 10.10.2026 (Updated: 14:03 10.10.2026) India’s aerospace major has built 29 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft, is progressing with certification activities and is advancing plans for the Tejas Mk-2, SJ-100 production and a broader civil aviation portfolio, HAL's Chairman & Managing Director Ravi K. told Sputnik India.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has outlined progress across its military aircraft and civil aviation programmes, with the Tejas Mk-1A in advanced stages of production and certification and the Tejas Mk-2 moving towards its first flight, targeted for the third quarter of 2027.
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A was in the advanced stages of series production and certification, while the company also is working with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other stakeholders to complete the remaining activities and begin deliveries at the earliest, CMD Ravi K. said in responses to Sputnik India.
Tejas Mk-1A: 29 Aircraft Produced
HAL had produced 29 LCA Mk-1A aircraft so far, with the integration of required hardware and modifications for additional capabilities completed, Ravi K. stressed.
However, design validation and associated software certification activities remain under way, he noted.
Multiple iterations of missile and launcher software, the electronic warfare (EW) suite and the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar software supplied by Israel's ELTA had been carried out as part of the platform certification process, according to Ravi K.
HAL is working with the IAF, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) and other stakeholders to complete the outstanding activities, the company's chairman said.
The Mk-1A is an upgraded variant of the indigenous Tejas fighter, featuring enhancements intended to improve its operational capabilities.
Tejas Mk-2 Prototype Under Construction
HAL described the LCA Mk-2 as the next major step in India's indigenous fighter aircraft development programme. The multirole, all-weather, 4.5-generation combat aircraft is designed primarily for air superiority and ground attack, with reconnaissance as a secondary role.
The aircraft is intended to replace the IAF's Mirage 2000, Jaguar and MiG-29 fleets. Key features include an AESA radar, an internal electronic warfare suite with a jammer, network-centric warfare capabilities, infrared search and track (IRST) and a missile approach warning system (MAWS).
HAL is ADA's principal industry partner for the design and manufacture of Mk-2 prototypes and the programme's progression towards operational clearance.
The first prototype is currently under construction at HAL. An engine ground run is planned for March 2027, followed by a first flight in the third quarter of 2027.
AMCA Programme Led by ADA
On the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's planned fifth-generation stealth fighter programme, HAL's CMD said the project was being driven by ADA.
The company did not provide further details on the programme's development milestones in its response.
SJ-100: HAL & UAC Advance Production Discussions
HAL is also exploring opportunities in the civil aviation market, including the proposed licensed production of Russia's SJ-100 regional aircraft in India.
HAL and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) signed a memorandum of understanding in October 2025 to collaborate on licensed production of the aircraft.
The two companies jointly showcased the SJ-100 at Wings India in Hyderabad in January 2026 and signed a teaming agreement that month to advance their cooperation.
HAL said discussions with UAC were continuing on the technical and commercial aspects of establishing an SJ-100 production facility in India, Ravi K. underscored.
HAL Broadens Civil Aviation Portfolio
"HAL is positioning civil aviation as a growth area, drawing on decades of aerospace expertise, certified manufacturing infrastructure and lifecycle support capabilities," CMD Ravi K. asserted.
Its portfolio includes the Dhruv NG and Civil Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), alongside the Hindustan-228 and the proposed SJ-100 production programme.
The Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne twin-engine civil helicopter featuring DGCA-certified Shakti 1H1C engines, a civil-certified glass cockpit and modern avionics.
The Civil LUH is a 3-tonne-class single-engine helicopter designed for general aviation across varied terrain and weather conditions. It features a modern glass cockpit and EASA-certified Ardiden 1U engines, with civil certification work progressing.
The Hindustan-228 is a 19-seat commuter aircraft with short take-off and landing (STOL) capability, designed for regional connectivity. HAL has manufactured and supported more than 150 Do-228 aircraft. The company said the H-228 was the first Indian civil-certified aircraft to be exported. Four aircraft are operating in Guyana, while the civil Do-228 variant serves Alliance Air in India's north-eastern region.
Nashik MRO Expansion Targets Civil Aviation Demand
HAL is expanding its civil maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure at Nashik, leveraging its defence maintenance experience, digital systems, tooling and skilled workforce.
The company has partnerships with airlines, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and third-party MRO providers. It has also partnered with Airbus to establish an A320 C-check facility at Nashik, strengthening its presence in the civil aircraft maintenance market.
HAL's plans span indigenous fighter development, potential commercial aircraft manufacturing and civil aviation support services, although progress remains dependent on certification milestones, development schedules and final production arrangements.
