The first Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft built at HAL’s Nashik facility successfully completed its maiden flight on Friday, accompanied by a traditional water cannon salute. The rollout took place after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the LCA and HTT-40 assembly lines at Nashik. The aircraft will enter IAF service after successful integration of weapons, radar, and fire-control systems. HAL’s Nashik line forms the third LCA production line, designed to produce up to eight aircraft per year, supported by a private-sector supply chain to accelerate deliveries.