Parallel Assembly Breakthrough: HAL Receives First Tejas Mk1A Wing Set from L&T

In a landmark achievement for India’s aerospace industry, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) received the first set of wing assemblies for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on July 17, 2025, at L&T’s Precision Manufacturing & Systems Complex in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This milestone marks the first time a private Indian company has produced the critical wing structure for a supersonic fighter, signaling a transformative shift in India’s defense manufacturing landscape. By establishing a parallel assembly line in the private sector, HAL is significantly boosting production capacity for the Tejas Mk1A, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

The Significance of the L&T Wing Assembly

The wings of a fighter jet like the Tejas Mk1A are among the most complex and flight-critical components, bearing aerodynamic loads, housing fuel systems, hydraulics, and control linkages, and requiring precision engineering to meet global aerospace standards. L&T’s delivery of the first wing set, crafted using advanced technologies such as automated fiber placement, autoclave curing, and ultrasonic drilling, demonstrates the growing capability of India’s private sector to handle high-end aerospace manufacturing. This achievement follows the delivery of other key components by private partners, including the centre fuselage from VEM Technologies, rear fuselage from Alpha Tocol, air intake assemblies from Lakshmi Machine Works, and fin and rudder assemblies from Tata Advanced Systems.

The collaboration between HAL and L&T, as highlighted by HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. DK Sunil, is a “testament to years of dedicated hand-holding and a shared commitment to excellence.” L&T’s Senior Vice President & Head of Precision Engineering & Systems, Arun Ramchandani, noted that the company aims to supply four wing sets annually initially, with plans to scale up to 12 sets per year through automation and advanced assembly processes. This parallel assembly line effectively acts as a fourth production line for HAL, complementing its existing facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik.

Boosting Tejas Mk1A Production

The Tejas Mk1A, an advanced 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL, is a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization efforts. Designed to replace the aging MiG-21 fleet, the Mk1A features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhanced avionics, electronic warfare capabilities, and compatibility with advanced weaponry like the Astra and Derby missiles. Its combat effectiveness was proven during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where it countered Pakistani air intrusions.

The IAF has ordered 180 Tejas Mk1A jets, including 83 under a ₹48,000 crore contract signed in February 2021 and an additional 97 under a ₹67,000 crore tender approved in November 2023. However, production delays, primarily due to late deliveries of General Electric (GE) F404-IN20 engines, have pushed the initial delivery timeline from March 2024 to mid-2025. HAL’s outsourcing strategy, exemplified by L&T’s wing assemblies, addresses these bottlenecks by decentralizing production and leveraging private-sector expertise. HAL’s three production lines—two in Bengaluru and one in Nashik—aim to deliver 24 aircraft annually by 2025–2026, with plans for a fourth line to reach 32 jets per year by 2027.

Overcoming Challenges

The Tejas Mk1A program has faced significant hurdles, notably delays in engine supply from GE Aerospace. As of July 2025, only two F404-IN20 engines have been delivered, with GE committing to supply 12 more by March 2026. HAL has mitigated this by using Category-B (CAT-B) engines for test flights, rotating them among aircraft under assembly. The IAF, operating at 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, has expressed frustration over these delays, with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasizing the urgency of modernizing the fleet to counter regional threats, including Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder and China’s J-10 fighters.

HAL’s collaboration with private partners like L&T, VEM Technologies, and others has streamlined production. For instance, robotic drilling has reduced assembly time from 25–35 minutes per hole to minutes, addressing past bottlenecks. The first Tejas Mk1A from HAL’s Nashik facility is scheduled for its maiden flight in July 2025, with 10 aircraft expected to roll out by the end of July and 12 delivered to the IAF by December 2025.

Advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat

The delivery of the L&T wing set underscores India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, who attended the handover event virtually, praised HAL for spearheading collaboration with private-sector partners, nurturing their capabilities, and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers. The Tejas Mk1A currently has around 60% indigenous content, with plans to increase this to 70% in the second batch of 97 aircraft by replacing imported Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) with domestically developed alternatives, such as avionics and sensors.

This milestone also enhances the Tejas program’s export potential, with interest from several countries noted during Aero India 2025. The involvement of private companies not only accelerates production but also strengthens India’s aerospace ecosystem, creating jobs and fostering technological innovation.

Looking Ahead

The successful delivery of the first wing set by L&T is a pivotal step in scaling up Tejas Mk1A production to meet the IAF’s urgent needs. As HAL integrates these assemblies and ramps up output, the focus remains on stabilizing the supply chain, particularly for engines, and incorporating operational feedback to refine the aircraft. The second batch of 97 Mk1A jets, expected to begin production in 2028, will feature enhanced indigenous content and minor upgrades, further solidifying the Tejas as a versatile and cost-effective platform.

This breakthrough in parallel assembly, driven by HAL’s collaboration with L&T and other private partners, marks a new era for India’s defense industry. By harnessing private-sector expertise and advanced manufacturing, India is not only addressing its fighter squadron shortfall but also positioning itself as a global player in aerospace innovation.

Sources: The Economic Times, The Hindu BusinessLine, Moneycontrol, The Statesman, Indian Defence Research Wing,,,,,, Press Information Bureau, and posts on X,,,,,,.