India's state-owned aerospace company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has reached a key milestone in strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) with the completion of nine Tejas Mk1 trainer aircraft. This achievement is part of a larger order of 18 trainers from the IAF, intended to modernize the force's training capabilities.
The total order of 18 trainers comprises 10 requested in 2021, supplementing an earlier order of 8. These new aircraft will provide pilots with a cutting-edge platform to prepare for operational duties.
HAL is also making headway on the remaining aircraft. The 11th and 12th Tejas Mk1 trainers are currently being assembled and are close to completion. HAL plans to finish building the final seven trainers by the end of 2025.
The Tejas Mk1 Trainer is a two-seater version of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), designed for pilot training but also retaining full combat capability. It's a crucial component of the broader Tejas Mk1 program, which is intended to replace the IAF's aging MiG-21 trainers.
The program also offers a modern, cost-effective option for both training and light combat missions. The IAF's order underscores its confidence in HAL's ability to produce high-quality aircraft meeting rigorous operational standards.
The completion of these nine trainers shows HAL's increasing proficiency in aircraft manufacturing and its dedication to the "Make in India" initiative, which promotes domestic production.
The trainers feature several upgrades over the earlier Trainer variant, including an updated avionics package, improved ease of maintenance, and enhanced systems for situational awareness. These improvements make them well-suited for training pilots for the demands of modern air combat.
According to HAL, the 11th and 12th trainers are undergoing final assembly and integration. These aircraft are expected to be completed in the near future. HAL aims to significantly increase production after mid-2025 to meet its goal of delivering the remaining seven trainers by the end of 2025.
The production process, however, has not been without hurdles. Specifically, HAL has experienced delays in the supply of engines. The Tejas Mk1 is powered by the General Electric (GE) F404 engine, a reliable turbofan known for providing the necessary thrust.
Despite HAL ordering these engines from GE in 2021, delivery delays have led the company to utilize reserved F404 engines for initial flight testing of the completed trainers. These tests are essential to confirm the aircraft's airworthiness and ensure they meet the IAF's operational requirements before they are officially inducted into service.
The Tejas Mk1 Trainer is crucial to the IAF's training program. Its two-seat design allows it to serve a dual purpose: training new pilots and providing operational support in combat situations if required. The trainer is equipped with the same advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and weapons capabilities as the single-seat version, meaning it can easily transition to a light fighter role, offering the IAF significant flexibility.
The introduction of these trainers is timely, as the IAF faces a shortage of modern training aircraft. The current fleet of Hawk trainers and Kiran jets, while still in use, do not have the advanced systems and performance needed to train pilots for fourth-generation aircraft like the Tejas Mk1A and more advanced platforms. The Tejas Mk1 Trainer fills this void, providing a platform that closely matches operational aircraft in terms of avionics, handling, and combat systems. This ensures a smoother transition for pilots moving to front-line fighter squadrons.
