HAL to Upgrade 16 LCA-Tejas Mk1 Jets to Final Operational Clearance Configuration

[RonitBisht]

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to upgrade 16 Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) LCA-Tejas Mk1 jets to the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) configuration, adding key capabilities such as Beyond Visual Range Missile (BVRM) capabilities, air-to-air refuelling, air-to-ground FOC earmarked weapons, and general flight envelope expansion.

The first 16 jets became operational in 2016 as part of No. 45 Squadron IAF Flying Daggers.

Some FOC features will be enabled through software upgrades, while others will require component upgrades.

 

[GMR]

Good..

 

[Mithu Roy]

In one shot upgrade it to mark 1a standard and save tax payers money

 

[Mango_Indian]

Wonder why not upgrade all 32 aircraft to Mk1A instead of doing step wise upgrade?

Also, when are the 8 trainers getting delivered ? Target delivery date was 31st Dec 23.

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Wonder why not upgrade all 32 aircraft to Mk1A instead of doing step wise upgrade?

Also, when are the 8 trainers getting delivered ? Target delivery date was 31st Dec 23.

Till date 33 Tejas have been delivered, of which, 16 are single seat IOC configuration, 16 are single seat but already FOC configuration and 1 twin seat FOC configuration. So, other 17 are already in FOC standard, only the first 16 needs and upgrade.
Hope these upgrades happens on time at least

 

[AK S]

In one shot upgrade it to mark 1a standard and save tax payers money

So true.

 

[Kirit Patel]

Great it is about time.

 

[beencensured]

Hope these upgrades happens on time at least

All talk as I have been hearing of this IOC upgrade to FOC since FOC certification. This is the a shame they are not updated as of yet.

 

[NSR]

All of Tejas Mk Is configuration fighters and trainers should be upgraded to a single standard of Tejas Mk IA so that there will be no issues with training and warfighting and of course maintaining them.
Too many version would be confusing.
Really worthwhile.

 

[Sandeep]

This should have been done at the same time as they manufacture brand new jets. Converting all other jets would allow more jets to be posted in front line bases.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Good ! Also replaced its engine with Enhanced GE engine allowing Tejas to attain Mac 2.25 speed ! Since Tejas primary role is air defence !

 

[Swaminathan]

This should have been done at the same time as they manufacture brand new jets. Converting all other jets would allow more jets to be posted in front line bases.

Incase, HAL feels their production lines are overloaded, they may help leading aero space companies like TASL to take up the upgradation works and complete the activity well in time ! Also such upgradation jets should be weaponised appropriately , tested as per planned te schedules and be made readily available for action .

 

[Siddharth Asthana]

Its high time we have one additional PVt sector line established for 12-16 jets pa.
If we do rough numbers of MK1A over next decade

83 + 97 = 180
32 MK1 to be upgraded
~40-50 for LIFT
36-54 export
3-5 replacement of lost units
= 288 - 302 unit....Pvt sector can very well manufacture ~100-120 of these over next 8-10 years