By A Correspondent

Nashik (Maharashtra): After decades of assembling Soviet-origin fighters from the MiG-21 to the Su-30MKI, India’s largest combat aircraft manufacturing complex in Nashik has entered a new chapter centered on indigenous military aviation.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has transformed its historic facility into a state-of-the-art production hub for India’s homegrown fighter jets and trainers, aligning with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

The plant’s sprawling hangars, once dedicated to the assembly of at least 575 MiG-21s and 272 Su-30MKIs, have been completely refurbished with new jigs, fixtures, and tooling tailored for Indian-designed aircraft.

The facility now supports the production of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A and the HTT-40 basic trainer, representing a decisive move away from imported platforms.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the first public flight of the HAL Nashik-built LCA Mk1A on Oct. 17, 2025, calling it a “historic milestone” that closed a six-decade chapter of foreign dependence.

The 1.3 million square-foot Nashik complex has undergone an INR 500 crore modernisation, integrating advanced manufacturing technologies and over 30 structural assembly jigs for major LCA modules, including the fuselage, wings, and air intake.

A portion of the facility continues Su-30MKI production to meet an additional IAF order for 15 aircraft.

The new line for LCA will initially produce eight Tejas Mk1A fighters annually, with plans for rapid scaling. Combined with two existing lines in Bengaluru, HAL’s total capacity will reach 24 aircraft per year.

However, to maintain the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operational strength, military aviation veterans note that national production must rise to 30 to 40 fighters annually.

They also pointed out that HAL is not yet close to delivering the first few Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to the IAF, even though the first lot of American General Electric’s F404-IN20 aeroengines was delivered a few weeks ago to HAL.

In Feb. 2025, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh had, in a candid moment caught on camera, castigated HAL for the Tejas Mk1A delays, expressing lack of confidence in the state-run company’s ability to both deliver on time and meet qualitative requirements.

During his visit, Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the second HTT-40 production line, boosting indigenous trainer deliveries. He highlighted that India’s defence exports have surged to INR 25,000 crore, with the government targeting INR 3 lakh crore in domestic defence manufacturing and INR 50,000 crore in exports by 2029.

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