IAF Expects to Raise Three Squadrons of Tejas Mk1A by Late 2026 as F404 Engine Deliveries Stabilize

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is on track to significantly enhance its combat capability by inducting three squadrons of the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A fighter jet by the end of 2026.

This development comes as supply chain issues concerning the aircraft's American-made GE F404 engines begin to resolve, paving the way for a steady production and delivery schedule.

The first of these new units is scheduled to be established at Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan by late 2025. A second squadron will also be raised in Rajasthan, expected to be operational by early 2026.

The strategic placement of these first two squadrons in the western sector is designed to substantially strengthen India's air defence posture along its border with Pakistan.

Each squadron is expected to operate a standard complement of 18 aircraft, comprising 16 fighter jets and two trainers.

A third Tejas Mk1A squadron is planned for induction by late 2026 at the critical Srinagar Air Base. This unit is slated to replace the IAF's existing MiG-29UPG squadron, which has been a mainstay of air defence in the northern sector for years.

Deploying the modern Tejas Mk1A to Srinagar highlights the IAF's confidence in the aircraft's ability to operate in the challenging high-altitude environment and its key role in monitoring the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

The Tejas Mk1A is a more advanced version of the Light Combat Aircraft, featuring significant upgrades. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art Israeli EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for superior target detection and an advanced electronic warfare suite for improved self-protection.

Furthermore, the aircraft is capable of firing the indigenous Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, boosting its lethality and promoting India's self-reliance in defence technology.

The successful formation of these squadrons hinges on the manufacturing capacity of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The public-sector enterprise is targeting the delivery of the first Tejas Mk1A aircraft by September 2025.

While previously hampered by engine supply delays, HAL is now ramping up production at its facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik, with the goal of producing 24 jets annually to meet the IAF's operational timeline.

 

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[Foxbat]

As long our jets are powered by foreign engines each and every jet is a joke. Given the randomness of Trump tantrums and his cozines with the pakis, one fine day we will wake up with the news of trump stopping the deliveries of all the engines until India becomes its vasal state same as paki has become chinas vasal state.
Not sure why do we boast around while having a foreign heart in all our fighter jets

Well we should examine where is the fault line within our government appointed military contractors HAL and GTRE in particular. Try to examine when did the ambitious Engine Kaveri project started and what and where did it go wrong. First of all in my opinion from long observation I feel the government should have adopted R&D centres in India long ago to contribute technologies required to the country's ambitious indigenous aspirations. Secondly, the bureaucrats in the MoD failed miserably to monitor in order to check and balance on the progress of projects undertaken by all military contractors in the sloppiness in HAL and GTRE. China lacking in powerful indigenous engines to power their ambitious plans to produce advanced technology fighter aircrafts. The chinese fellas have achieved successfully obtaining stolen, smuggled and hacked advanced technology information on every aspect of western and US fighters blueprints. I am not suggesting we do the same but could have used knowledge and experience at our disposal working on French, British, American and most importantly on Russian fighter aircraft engines for several decades. How could not Indian engineers with vast knowledge and experience in working on various types of engines did not utilise it on Kaveri. The chinese bought a few Su-35 from Russia their intentions were clearly to strip it and study to abstract Russian advanced engine technology. The chinese are always very lucky to get with their dirty works. The Russians admitted that they know very well what the chinese fellas have done but they didn't bother much about it.

Finally, the people at the helm of HAL and GTRE must have a clear picture of a future products, with that in mind adopt a proactive approach in forecast on future projects, plan much ahead and anticipate challenges be prepared to counter them with back up plans. I believe that these are the factors which has been the primary reasons why Kaveri engine project has not produced the desired results thus far. I feel this is a heavy setbacks for GTRE and this has put a dent in ambitious indigenous fighter aircraft engine. In my honest opinion I Indian engineers are highly talented people than the chinese fellas but the lackadaisical attitude is what makes the difference.

 

[navinbijoy]

Well instead of giving 114 orders, make it double.
Can't depend on deadlines.