LCA Tejas Mk-1 & Mk-1A

The first production series fighter of LCA Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced variant of the LCA Mk-1 that has already been inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru.

The Mk-1A will come with digital radar warning receivers, a superior AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar, advanced beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles and external self-protection jammer pods, among other improvements. HAL, which has delivered 32 single-seat LCA fighters and two of the eight twin-seat trainers of the 40 Tejas Mk1 order worth Rs 8,802 crore, will now have to begin delivery of 83.

On Nov 23, 2023, PM Narendra Modi flew in a trainer that was delivered in Oct 2023, Putting his personal stamp of approval on the indigenous Tejas fighter, which will become the mainstay of the IAF in the years ahead instead of foreign jets.The IAF already has two Tejas squadrons, the ‘Flying Daggers’ and ‘Flying Bullets’, one of which is now deployed in the southwestern sector facing Pakistan.

“Successfully completed a sortie on Tejas. The experience was incredibly enriching, significantly bolstering my confidence in our country’s indigenous capabilities, and leaving me with a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national potential”

- Modi had said, after becoming the first PM to fly in a fighter jet

Number of squadron required to IAF :

Tejas is critical for IAF to stem the depletion in the number of its fighter squadrons, which is down to just 31 when at least 42 are required to tackle China and Pakistan. To handle two front war situation.

From very little confidence from both the IAF and the Centre in the Tejas in its initial years of development & testing, the fighter has grown to become a platform that is being showcased as a flagbearer of indigenously built 4th generation multi-role fighter program.

IAF tender to HAL :

IAF ordered 83 Mk-1A fighters for Rs.48,000 crore in February 2021 and plans to buy 97 more Mk-1As at a cost of around Rs.67,000 crore. The first aircraft was to be delivered to IAF by March 31, but there is some delay as some key certifications are still pending.

HAL thanked the defense ministry, the IAF, the Aeronautical Development Agency, the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and other agencies that have contributed to the success of this program.