L&T Delivers First Tejas Mk1A Wing Assembly, HAL Ramps Up Production

India’s indigenous fighter jet program just crossed a major milestone. In a proud moment for the country’s defence manufacturing sector, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has officially handed over the first-ever wing assembly of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

This marks a significant step forward in accelerating the production of the much-anticipated Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A — a critical project for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which urgently needs to replenish its shrinking fleet.

A Boost for Make in India

The ceremonial handover took place on July 17, 2025, at L&T’s Precision Manufacturing & Systems Complex in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The event was attended virtually by Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), as Shri M Abdul Salam, General Manager of HAL’s LCA Tejas Division, received the wing assembly on behalf of HAL.

During the address, the Defence Production Secretary lauded the collaboration between HAL and L&T, calling it a shining example of public-private partnership under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. He emphasized the importance of reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and called for expanding India’s aerospace capabilities.

LCA Tejas Mk1A: A Game-Changer for Indian Skies

The Tejas Mk1A is a 4th-generation, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft, designed to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Built for agility and equipped with modern avionics, radar, and weapons systems, it is a cost-effective solution tailored for Indian defence needs.

Key features of Tejas Mk1A:

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar
• Air-to-air refueling capability
• Improved electronic warfare suite
• Reduced radar cross-section and weight
• Advanced avionics and digital cockpit
• Compatibility with a wide range of weapons

Its versatility and indigenous content make it a strong candidate not just for the IAF but also for defence exports.

Private Sector Powers Production

With delays in the supply of GE’s F404 engines putting pressure on timelines, HAL has stepped up efforts to collaborate with private firms for key components. So far, the LCA Tejas Division has received:

• Air Intake Assemblies from Lakshmi Machine Works
• Rear Fuselage from Alpha Tocol
• Fin & Rudder Assemblies from Tata Advanced Systems
• Centre Fuselage from VEM Technologies
• Loom Assemblies from Amphenol
• Wing Assemblies from L&T

These partnerships are expected to ease the production bottlenecks and help meet delivery targets.

L&T’s Commitment
According to Shri Arun Ramchandani, Senior Vice President & Head of L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, the company is currently set to deliver four wing sets annually, with plans to scale up to 12 per year using automation and advanced assembly techniques.

Urgency from the IAF

The urgency behind Tejas Mk1A production stems from the IAF’s declining fighter strength, which has dropped to 31 active squadrons—far short of the sanctioned 42. HAL recently received its second F404 engine of the year, with 10 more expected by December, but every delay counts.

The faster HAL and its partners can deliver, the sooner Tejas Mk1A can begin filling the critical gap in India’s air combat fleet.

Conclusion:

With the first L&T-manufactured wing assembly now in HAL’s hands, the Tejas Mk1A project has gained fresh momentum. The collaboration between state-owned and private aerospace giants shows that India’s defence sector is on the right path — powered by innovation, partnerships, and a shared mission to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

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