Rajnath Singh flags off first Tejas Mk1A

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday hailed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for propelling India towards defence self-reliance, as he inaugurated the third production line for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A and the second line for the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) at the company's Nashik facility.

- TDG NETWORK

He also flagged off the first Tejas Mk1A aircraft produced at the site and witnessed its maiden flight.

Calling the aircraft a “shining symbol of Aatmanirbharta,” Singh said the achievement reflects India's transformation from a major arms importer to a defence manufacturing hub.

“A decade ago, we imported 65-70% of our military hardware. Today, 65% is made in India. Our goal is to reach 100%,” he said, crediting the Modi government's reforms for bringing private participation, technological innovation, and planning into the defence ecosystem.