The maiden flight of the Indian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A took place on October 17 in Nashik, Maharashtra. The jet took flight in the presence of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who called the move a “shining symbol” of India’s growing self-reliance in defence. Tejas Mk1A has been manufactured at the third production line of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Nashik. The formal induction of the fighter jet into the IAF will depend on the successful completion of ongoing trials.