Indian Air Force to Receive Tejas Mk 1A Combat Aircraft Next Month After Engine Delivery Delays.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive the long-anticipated Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk 1A starting next month. According to the Financial Express, this delivery marks a crucial step in bolstering the IAF's fighter fleet, which has faced delays. The Tejas Mk 1A, an upgraded version of the LCA, offers enhanced capabilities with modern features and improved performance. Currently, the aircraft is undergoing final testing after modifications to the integrated Israeli software were completed.
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The Mk 1A variant is equipped with the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, capable of scanning the sky and tracking multiple targets simultaneously, with a detection range of over 200 kilometers (Picture source: Indian Air Force)

The initial delivery will include aircraft equipped with Category B engines, which are either previously used or acquired under earlier agreements with General Electric (GE) for the Tejas series. The new General Electric F404-IN20 engines, vital for optimal performance, are expected to arrive in November. HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) is anticipated to receive two GE-F404 engines per month starting from November, based on GE's recent commitments.

Originally, the first aircraft delivery was planned for February-March 2024, but delays in engine delivery have pushed this timeline to November. This delay was addressed during the recent visit of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Washington, resulting in a revised delivery schedule from GE. HAL, the state-run aerospace manufacturer responsible for the Tejas, had aimed to commence deliveries in March 2024, following the contract signed in February 2021. However, the first flight of the Tejas Mk 1A took place only in March this year, necessitating additional trials and a postponement of at least four months due to software changes requested by the IAF.

In response to these persistent delays and to meet future demand, the IAF has proposed a public-private partnership (PPP) model to establish additional production lines for the Tejas. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary emphasized the need to expand production capabilities to fulfill the IAF’s requirements. The plan includes diversifying production lines and exploring joint ventures with private sector partners to support the induction of nearly 300 Tejas variants over the next fifteen years, thereby strengthening the fighter fleet and fostering collaboration within India's aerospace industry.

 IAF LCA Tejas at the SingaporeAirShow in 2022 (Picture source: Indian Air Force)

The Tejas program has faced numerous setbacks since its inception in 1983. Initially, the first flight was scheduled for 1994, but the prototype only took to the skies in 2001. The IAF received initial operational clearance in December 2013, and the first operational delivery took place in 2019. However, out of the initial order of 40 Tejas aircraft, four are still pending delivery. The IAF has also expressed interest in acquiring an additional 97 Mk 1A aircraft. To date, the IAF has received 35 to 36 of the first 40 Tejas Mark-1 fighters from contracts signed in 2006 and 2010.

Additionally, India and the United States are negotiating the co-production of GE-F414 engines for the future Tejas Mark-2 fighters. Interest in the Tejas aircraft extends beyond India; several countries, including Nigeria, the Philippines, Argentina, and Egypt, have expressed interest in acquiring this locally developed combat aircraft, as stated by CB Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL. Previously, the United States, Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia also showed interest, with Malaysia shortlisting the jet as part of its acquisition program.

The Tejas is a lightweight, supersonic, multi-role fighter aircraft known for its agility. The Mk 1A variant is equipped with the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, capable of scanning the sky and tracking multiple targets simultaneously, with a detection range of over 200 kilometers. The aircraft is also designed to engage enemy targets from a distance and avoid radar detection.

Despite delays and logistical challenges, India continues to promote the Tejas as a key component of its air defense strategy. Efforts to enhance production capacity and establish international partnerships aim to support the future development of its fighter fleet.