To avoid affecting IAF orders, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will increase Tejas aircraft manufacturing if it receives export orders. From 2024 to 2025, HAL will increase its existing production capacity to 16 aircraft, and a suitable facility has been built at the Nasik plant, which formerly produced Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft for the IAF.
The Nasik plant will initially be able to produce 5 LCA Tejas for the export market, though that capacity might be increased to 8 if inquiries from Malaysia, the Philippines, and Egypt result in orders. Together, the two LCA divisions in Bangalore and the one in Nasik will be able to build 24 jets each year.
In order to increase production capacity in response to export orders, HAL claimed to have already ordered additional jigs and fixtures as well as ground tools for the second LCA division, which will begin producing upgraded Tejas Mk1A in 2024–2025. Additional items could be added in Nasik Plant at short notice as well.
