1st Tejas-Mk1A from Nashik completes maiden flight; gets water cannon salute — watch

The first Tejas-Mk1A fighter jet produced at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik complex took to the skies for its maiden flight on Friday, marking a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defense program. The rollout followed the formal inauguration of HAL’s LCA and HTT-40 assembly lines by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

While the aircraft’s flight is a major achievement, its official induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) hinges on the successful completion of ongoing weapon and radar integration trials.

Nashik now hosts HAL’s third LCA production line and second HTT-40 trainer line, bolstering India’s fighter manufacturing capabilities. During the rollout ceremony, the Tejas-Mk1A was honoured with a traditional water cannon salute, symbolising the pride and significance of this milestone.