Made in Hyderabad centre fuselage for Tejas fighter jet

HYDERABAD: In a significant boost to India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies Private Ltd has successfully completed and handed over the first centre fuselage (CF) assembly of the Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft (LCA) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).This milestone marks a critical step in the collaborative production of India's next generation fighter aircraft.The CF assembly—comprising a semi-monocoque structure made from a mix of metallic and carbon fibre composite materials—was built entirely at VEM's Hyderabad facility. The formal handover to HAL will take place on May 30, in the presence of senior defence officials, including Sanjeev Kumar, secretary (defence production), ministry of defence; DK Sunil, chairman and managing director of HAL, and K Ravi, director (operations), HAL.VEM secures role as HAL’s partnerVEM Technologies undertook the manufacturing and assembly of 1,595 precision-engineered components for the CF. Each component underwent stringent quality inspection at every stage by HAL's quality assurance teams. The final assembly also received clearances from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, reinforcing its readiness for integration into the Tejas Mk1A platform."Getting the assembly jig clearance is also significant. It will now be handed over to HAL for further production," said S Aravind Reddy, senior manager, VEM Technologies. The handover of this second assembly jig significantly strengthens VEM's role as a trusted production partner in HAL's long-term LAC programme.The Tejas Mk1A airframe consists of five major structural modules: Front, centre, and rear fuselage, along with the left and right wings. While the CF was developed by VEM, other modules are being manufactured by private aerospace firms in Bengaluru and Coimbatore, showcasing the growing footprint of Indian industry in defence production.With over two decades of partnership with HAL, VEM Technologies has supported numerous critical defence platforms and continues to play a key role in complex systems integration and structural manufacturing.In a parallel development, HAL has operationalised a third production line for the Tejas Mk1A at its Nashik facility. This line will add capacity for eight additional aircraft annually, augmenting the current output of 16 units from HAL's two Bengaluru-based lines. The first Tejas Mk1A from Nashik is scheduled for rollout in June 2025, according to official sources.Building aerospace futureThe Tejas Mk1A variant features major upgrades, including enhanced avionics, active electronically scanned array radar, electronic warfare systems, and air-to-air refuelling capability—key enhancements that align with modern combat requirements.Beyond the LCA, VEM Technologies is also deeply involved in the advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) programme—India's upcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter. The company continues to support the DRDO-led AMCA project through advanced structural manufacturing, assembly, and integration capabilities, reinforcing its role in the nation's aerospace future.