Make-in-India's Deadly New Warbird: Tejas MK-1A Jet Takes Maiden Flight

7 weeks ago

This special report focuses on a major leap in India's defence capabilities with the maiden flight of the indigenous Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet from Nashik, an event unveiled by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. An India Today report hailed the event, stating, 'This is not just a test flight. It's the start of a new era.' The 4.5 generation multi-role combat jet is a significant boost for the 'Make in India' initiative, with over 64% indigenous content. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has operationalised a third production line for the aircraft to fast-track deliveries to the Indian Air Force (IAF), which has a combined order of 180 jets. These aircraft are set to replace the recently retired MiG-21 squadrons, bolstering the nation's air power for the future.

Transcript

00:00Today, India marks a major leap in its defence journey.

00:04The indigenous status MK1A, sleeker, smarter, deadlier,

00:10makes its maiden flight from Nashik.

00:12Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be unveiling the jet

00:15as HAL opens a new production line that signals

00:19a bold new era for make in India and the Indian Air Force.

00:24Manjeet Meghi sends us this exclusive report.

00:26Take a look.

00:30Today marks a major leap for India's defence capabilities.

00:47The indigenous Tejas MK1A makes its maiden flight from Nashik.

00:54And with it, India's air power takes to newer heights.

01:00In a high-profile ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

01:03will unveil the first Tejas MK1A to roll out from HAL's brand new production line.

01:15This is not just a test flight.

01:18It's the start of a new era.

01:20Sleeker, deadlier, smarter.

01:23The Mk1A is a 4.5 generation multi-role combat jet

01:29built with 64% indigenous content.

01:36It boasts nine weapon hardpoints,

01:39a cutting-edge ISA radar,

01:42electronic warfare systems,

01:45and can carry missiles like Astra

01:47and advanced air-to-air missiles.

01:50All made in India.

01:52And the production is just getting started.

02:18HAL's third LCA line is now operational,

02:23aiming to deliver 83 Mk1As by 2029.

02:28A fresh order for 97 more jets

02:31was inked just weeks ago.

02:34A big boost for make-in India.

02:36With the retirement of the two Mk21 squadrons last month,

03:02the Indian Air Force needs new wings fast.

03:07And Tejas is filling that gap.

03:09Also, to be inaugurated today,

03:36HAL's second line for HTT-40 trainer aircraft,

03:41reinforcing India's growing self-reliance

03:44in military aviation.

03:45The state and the world of the world

03:47in the world,

03:48in the United States,

03:48the days of the military,

03:49the military will be brought to Kibar.

03:52This is a very strong force for the government.

03:55And if we talk about HAL,

03:58HAL has the LCA Mark 1A,

04:00which is the military,

04:01and with that,

04:02HTT-40,

04:03or the Hindoostan Turbo Trainer,

04:0540,

04:06also prepared for this assembly line.

04:10In the United States,

04:11the days of the coming days,

04:13The Tejas Markwane isn't just a fighter.

04:20It's a symbol of India's ability to build world-class combat jets at home.

04:27And with the Mark II and AMCA programs on the horizon, India's flight path is firmly

04:34set towards fifth-generation future.

04:37With Manjeet Nagy in Nasik, EuroReport, India Today.

Make-in-India's Deadly New Warbird: Tejas MK-1A Jet Takes Maiden Flight

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