VEM Technologies has delivered the second center fuselage for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet to HAL in just three months, marking a major step forward in India’s indigenous fighter program and highlighting the growing role of private industry in defence manufacturing.

Second Tejas Mk-1A Centre Fuselage Delivered Ahead of Schedule

Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies has delivered the second center fuselage assembly for the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). 

This was done in a record time of just three months, after the first center fuselage was handed over in May 2025.

This delivery is an important step for India’s indigenous fighter jet program and shows how the private sector is playing a bigger role in advanced aerospace manufacturing.

For this fuselage, VEM Technologies made 1,595 parts, including a semi-monocoque structure built with both metallic and carbon fiber composite materials. 

These parts went through strict quality checks by HAL before final assembly in Hyderabad. The finished fuselage will now be integrated into the jet at HAL’s Bangalore facility.

The center fuselage is the core structure of the aircraft. It connects the wings and holds critical systems such as avionics, landing gear, and mission equipment. 

VEM Technologies has also announced that it will deliver three more fuselage assemblies by the end of the financial year to help HAL speed up Tejas Mk-1A production.

HAL is planning to hand over the first two upgraded Tejas Mk-1Ajets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in October 2025, once final weapon trials are completed. 

These trials include the Astra beyond-visual-range missiles, advanced short-range missiles, and laser-guided bombs.

So far, the IAF has received 38 of the 40 original Tejas Mk-1 fighters, but it is still waiting for deliveries of the 83 Mk-1A jets ordered between 2024 and 2028. 

The delays are mostly due to late deliveries of the F404-IN20 engines from US-based General Electric.

To strengthen the fleet, the government has also approved the purchase of 97 more MK-1A jets, worth about ₹67,000 crore. 

This will further increase HAL’s workload, which it plans to manage by combining its own production with components made by private companies like VEM Technologies.

The Tejas Mk-1A comes with modern avionics, an AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, and improved weapon capabilities, making it a crucial part of the IAF’s fighter strength alongside aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI.

This second fuselage delivery by VEM Technologies is a big boost for HAL’s production capacity. 

With private companies taking on major roles in manufacturing, India is moving closer to self-reliance in defence and aerospace technology.