First Tejas Mk-1A Expected to Join Air Force Ranks This July

New Delhi: In a major boost for India's military might, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is expecting to receive its first Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet as early as July this year. This "Made in India" aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was initially slated for a February-March delivery but experienced minor technical delays.

A recent review by the IAF and HAL confirmed the new timeline, with additional integration trials set to be completed in the coming weeks. These trials are crucial to ensure the aircraft meets all operational standards before joining the IAF fleet.

This induction of the Tejas Mark 1A is a significant step towards India's goal of self-reliance in defense production, a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister is even expected to attend the delivery ceremony, highlighting the importance of this milestone.

The Tejas Mark 1A project has already seen an order worth ₹48,000 crores for 83 aircraft, with another order for 97 planes potentially on the horizon. These fighter jets will replace the IAF's aging fleet of MiG aircraft, boosting the force's capabilities and ensuring air superiority.

Beyond military applications, the Tejas project is a major boon for India's economy. It's generating jobs and fostering business opportunities for small and medium enterprises across the country, showcasing the potential of the domestic defense sector.

Stay tuned for July, when the Tejas Mark 1A is expected to officially join the IAF, marking a proud moment for India's defense capabilities.

 

[Baba Baati Baachur]

The jokers in this group cannot even design and test a toy

That is why the nation appointed HAL to do the same. Its a different thing if HAL employees spend their work time eating samossas and drinking chai and indulging in gossip.

 

[Akshat]

yehhhnn.. Tejas 1st flight was in 4th Jan 2001 and, LCA program idea was floated in 1983 with the creation of ADA in late 1984. FOC granted to Tejas on 20th Feb 2019....

Yup.

 

[Akshat]

These pseudo experts will be kicked out of HAL

So that their lies are not exposed.

 

[SURESH RAO]

test flying a new aircraft is not a some thing that can b e done in a hurry as one would wish, Many test points have to be realized from radar to ew to the multitude of design changes. The cemilac will never certify the LCA unless all the test points are proven. for all purposes its a new aircraft and many unknowns will crop up. Even if the the individual enhancements have been proven in other LCA test plat forms it does not mean they will work together . There is always this problem of mutual interference with EW systems and radar and radar warning systems , jammers etc. All these have to be blanked when the jammers are active. This just one problem. As we test fly more integrated systems we will become more experienced and help enormously in LCA mk2 and others.

MK1a has 42 new features compared to MK1. So there are 1000's more testing scenarios than MK1. The testing is not done by HAL alone. Both IAF and HAL are doing the testing on the Tejas MK1a. IAF also examined and gave suggestions for the Tapporees for many many months before they were released to India

 

[SURESH RAO]

So that their lies are not exposed.

So that only genuine experts are allowed and jokers are not allowed. HAL has hired expert private consultants from outside. They dont need suggestions from jokers

 

[Akshat]

So that only genuine experts are allowed and jokers are not allowed. HAL has hired expert private consultants from outside. They dont need suggestions from jokers

And yet the planes are not delivered on time. Seems they hired jokers and forgot the experts.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Wonderful, Feb 24 deadline has now become July 24, with no surety that anything will actually be delivered in July 24!! Step 2 is convincing teh GOvt that it is not worth waiting for Tejas 1A. It is much better to go in for the "improved, ground breaking, best in class, with great export potential" Tejas Mk2 which will be delivered in 2029!

 

[Deepak Hegde]

A delay of 3-4 months is still acceptable but every time if significant delays are happening then some penalty on promotions and hikes for officials responsible must be there.

Looks like you are a PSU employee, to say 3-4 months delay is acceptable, that too for such a critical project! Only PSU employee can have such an attitude to timelines!!

 

[AK S]

There were no new features. Only things agreed upon when the contract was signed.

Jealous French lobby.

Let HAL deliver first one. It’s still a DPSU.

It’s an stupendous effort to deliver a plane with such a massive upgrade in 3 years! More so that it’s a DPSU.

For the French lobby, Dassault took nearly five years to deliver the first Rafale with all of India Specific Enhancements, mere enhancements.

Fun fact, IAF and MoD took three years from RFP to negotiate the price and place orders. BTW, HAL reports into Secy, Defence Procurement.

 

[AK S]

IAF had already asked for such missiles back in 2010. They even selected Rafale. HAL just couldn’t even finish negotiations.

If they didn’t get that who is responsible. Certainly not HAL.

One can ask for moon. Landing there is the herder part.

 

[AK S]

And what can IAF do in this case buddy? What options do they even have?

Buy from France, No?

Sadly Mirage won’t support a decent BVR.

 

[AK S]

No worries it will again get postponed to somewhere in 2025. HAL never disappoints the nation & puts her security in danger. GOI should make a security check of the personnel to guarantee there are no pakistani & chinese nationals in HAL.

July is not very far. And next March is also not very far. Let’s see.

French lobby can’t digest Indian success.

 

[Akshat]

Jealous French lobby.

Let HAL deliver first one. It’s still a DPSU.

It’s an stupendous effort to deliver a plane with such a massive upgrade in 3 years! More so that it’s a DPSU.

For the French lobby, Dassault took nearly five years to deliver the first Rafale with all of India Specific Enhancements, mere enhancements.

Fun fact, IAF and MoD took three years from RFP to negotiate the price and place orders. BTW, HAL reports into Secy, Defence Procurement.

Poor HAL apologist.

Indeed, when will HAL deliver first one? They were supposed to deliver 3 by 2nd Feb.

It’s a shame that a plane with minor electronics and parts upgrade hasn’t been delivered even after 3 years. As for Dassault, they delivered in 3 years. As per the agreement. Unlike HAL which broke the agreement for a minor upgrade program.

 

[AK S]

They are not behind by 3-4 months. In many ways, they are behind by 20 years.

So true, we are! Mod and IAF is running MRFA circus for two decades now.

 

[AK S]

yehhhnn.. Tejas 1st flight was in 4th Jan 2001 and, LCA program idea was floated in 1983 with the creation of ADA in late 1984. FOC granted to Tejas on 20th Feb 2019....

Share the funding dates also! You must have the order dates and quantities too.

Bureaucrats can sign the sanction letters with much cost to them.

 

[AK S]

Yup.

Fact is Tejas is flying and it will be the backbone of IAF. Whether French lobby likes it or not.

On the count of Mk1A, HAL has indeed done wonders. Dassault took five years to deliver first Rafale with all enhancements and they were mere enhancements.

 

[Sandeep]

The jets and equipment was all manufactured by HAL on march but they would obviously need to go through the tests and trials before the Air Force accept the jets into service. The important part is that HAL have to manufacture more jets and start making the trainers first so that they can start training pilots which takes time. To speed that up HAL should give a license to private companies to use their facilities and technology to manufacture the jet which should speed up the number of jets we need.

 

[Akshat]

Buy from France, No?

Sadly Mirage won’t support a decent BVR.

Will still be better than non existent Mk1a.

 

[Akshat]

Fact is Tejas is flying and it will be the backbone of IAF. Whether French lobby likes it or not.

On the count of Mk1A, HAL has indeed done wonders. Dassault took five years to deliver first Rafale with all enhancements and they were mere enhancements.

Mk1a is a mere enhancement. They didn’t even move to mk2. Just mk1a. And yet it is not delivered.

HAL has indeed done wonders by not delivering such a minor upgrade on time. Makes us hang our heads in shame.

 

[Cp Saraswat]

You guys have such a vast knowledge that I haven't everything which I read In comments remains new for me ....I only read every comments daily due to lack of info. Unable to be part of discussion 😅