HAL has been entrusted with increasing its production pace in order to build 24 Tejas fighter planes per year beginning in 2027.
This large increase in production capacity is required to satisfy the demand for about 300 Tejas variants by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and an additional 100 planes by the Indian Navy. HAL is also planning to build up to 126 fifth-generation advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA).
According to the Ministry of Defence, "HAL has established two Tejas production lines in Bengaluru with a combined capacity of producing up to 16 aircraft annually." In addition, a third manufacturing line is being built at HAL's Nasik site to increase output above 24 aircraft per year beginning in 2024-25."
HAL is dedicated to speeding Tejas deliveries, both current and future. According to sources, HAL has proved the potential to build eight Tejas every year to date.
The Indian Air Force has placed an order for 83 Tejas Mark 1-A aircraft, with delivery set to begin in February of next year. In 2016, the IAF received the first iteration of the aircraft. Two IAF units, 45 Squadron and 18 Squadron, are currently fully operational with Tejas planes.
HAL's improved manufacturing capabilities will be critical in improving India's indigenous military manufacturing capabilities and assuring timely delivery of modern fighter planes to the IAF and Navy.
Source: AFI