Tejas-MK-1A comes out of Nashik this month, Astra firing is likely in August: Hal CMD | Bharat News

Bengaluru: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will roll out LCA Tejas MK1A before its new NASIC production line by the end of July, with the integration and test firing of Estra Air-to-air missile in early August, HAL CMD DK Sunil told TOI in an interview.Rollout from Nashik is a major milestone in HAL’s efforts to increase Tejas production, even the program works through the lack of engine supply and delay in indigenous radar integration. Sunil said, “The first aircraft of Nashic is already in the final assembly and under the test. We expect a rollout in a month, while the current year can see three to four aircraft from Nashik, the plant is designed to support the annual production of eight.Currently, HAL is operating two production lines in Bengaluru and has started the third in Nashic. A parallel private-field supply chain-including VEM technologies (center torso), alpha (rear torso), and L&T (feathers)-expected to contribute to an additional six aircraft in a year, eventually increase overall production capacity for 30 aircraft annually.He said that despite delay in engine supply from GE, HAL is proceeding with delivery. “We have already built six aircraft which are ready and flying,” said Sunil. HAL is expected to produce 12 aircraft this year, using GE engine available in rotation to carry out important test flights. GE has assured delivery of 12 engines this year, expecting this month with another engine that only after April.Integration of the Estra missile developed by DRDO is scheduled in early August. He said, “We need to solve some other issues like missile firing, Estra missiles, which we are planning to do in August in August,” he said.On radar integration, HAL faced criticism for all Tejas MK1A fighters under the current contract to continue with the Elta radar imported from Israel, instead of switching the midstream – from 41st aircraft – to indigenous northern AESA radar. Sunil clarified that the 40 ELTA radar was initially contracted, with a plan to introduce the answer from the 41st aircraft. However, the delay in certification of both the uttam radar and the Associated Electronic Warfare (EW) suit is also being developed by DRDO, forcing HAL’s hand.He said that in the last three years, HAL has held several meetings with senior officials of DRDO and IAF, but the certification time has slipped again and again. “As a manufacturer, when we are under pressure not to distribute, the risk becomes ours. If we wait and the systems are still not certified, we are not left a aircraft.”“In February 2024, there was a clear instruction from the DRDO headquarters that if certification is not obtained by the end of the year, HAL May could move forward. He is on a meeting and instructions. We waited till March this year, but when the progress was still not done, we moved forward. ,In response to continuous concerns from the Indian Air Force about UNMET aircraft staff qualitative requirements (ASQRs), Sunil blamed various partners, including ADA and DRDO, responsible for the delay for heritage issues and dependence. He said, “Parallel attempts are going on in many aircraft to close these issues. It is not that there is no effort – this is just that the closure needs to be more structured,” he said.HAL aims to distribute all 12 Tejas MK1as prescribed for this year, with full production ecosystem-public and private lines to reach a stable position of 3026-27 annually, including-2026-27.