India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 programme is on track to achieve a landmark milestone, with the 100th aircraft expected to roll off the production line in 2027. The achievement comes nearly 26 years after the first prototype took flight in 2001, highlighting the steady evolution of India’s homegrown fighter aircraft programme.
Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas programme has grown into a cornerstone of India’s defence self-reliance initiative. The fighter aircraft now serves the Indian Air Force, with improved Mk1A variants entering production as manufacturing capacity continues to expand.
Crossing the 100-aircraft mark reflects not only the maturity of the Tejas programme but also the strengthening of India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, supported by a growing network of public and private sector suppliers. The milestone is expected to further reinforce the country’s push for indigenous defence production under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
