HAL Conducts a Successful First Flight of LCA Mk1A

The first of the Tejas Mk1A aircraft series, LA5033, took to the skies from HAL facility in Bengaluru on 28 March 2024. It was a successful sortie with a flying time of 18 minutes. “HAL achieved this significant production milestone with concurrent design & development amid major supply chain challenges in the global geopolitical environment subsequent to the contract signature in February 2021”, said chairman and managing director, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, C.B. Ananthakrishnan.

The aircraft was piloted by Chief Test Pilot, Gp Capt. K.K. Venugopal (retd). HAL thanked ministry of defence, the Indian Air Force, DRDO/ADA, CEMILAC, DGAQA and the MSMEs who have contributed to the success of this programme. The CMD expressed hope that with the continued support of these stakeholders, the country can look forward to early induction of the Tejas Mk1A by the IAF and more numbers through the three lines of production established at HAL. The Tejas Mk1A will have an advanced electronic Radar, warfare, communication systems, additional combat capability and improved maintenance features.