IAF to Form First Tejas Mk1A Squadron by End of This Year

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to induct its first squadron of the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A fighter jets by the end of 2024. This move marks a major step towards the country's goal of self-reliance in defence production.

The first Tejas Mk1A squadron will be strategically positioned at Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan, bolstering the IAF's presence along the western border with Pakistan. According to defence sources, a second squadron is slated for deployment at Naliya Air Base in Kutch, Gujarat, further strengthening India's aerial defence network in the region. There are also indications of a third squadron being formed on the western border.

The IAF aims to have a sizable fleet of Tejas Mk1A jets operational by mid-2025, with the initial squadron commencing with over 18 aircraft. Additional deliveries are expected to enable the second squadron to be operational around the same time. Airbases earmarked for the third squadron are also being prepared to accommodate and support the deployment of these fighter jets by mid-2025.

The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced variant of the Tejas Mk1, boasting enhanced capabilities such as an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, and a modern Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS). This upgraded version is set to significantly enhance the IAF's combat capabilities.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas, is expected to deliver the first Tejas Mk1A aircraft to the IAF in July 2024, as per reports media reports. The aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight in March 2024, and integration trials are currently underway.

 

[sanket]

More Tejas MK1A to come Be Ready.

 

[Anant]

So, the first squadron by 2026, a second squadron by 2028, and a third by late 2029 or early 2030, if things go well. Eh, very optimistic, but not bad.

 

[vasu gali]

Tejas MKIA is most welcome. MK2 should be expedited

 

[Vineet Sharma]

Good going IAF+HAL.. During the induction of new products, rollout of first 7-10 products is always a conscious decision and we must not skip this process to ensure survivability of product life.. After that, process can be accelerated to faster the production at higher rates.

 

[NSR]

I will say this again that India can not control its Tejas IA delivery schedules without local licensed manufacturing of GE F-404 fighter engine under license similar to GE F-414 license.
It is because USA needs to supply hundreds and eventually thousands of GE F-404s for T7A Red Hawk trainer program.

Get moving and get license to manufacture of GE F-404IN20 under license and possibly establishing a jointly funded program to improve F-404IN20 for extreme weathers of India.

 

[GMR]

Good news, better late than never 👍👍👍
Only if HAL can maintain the pace & planned expansion...

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Govt should expand HAL plants to make 24 fighters per plant per year ! Also ink deal to make Ge-404 engines here in India along with Ge-414 engines !

 

[Kira]

I believe that these squadrons are primarily based on the Western border because these aircraft are meant as a replacement for retired MiG-21 squadrons which were historically located on the Western borders against Pak.

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Good news, better late than never 👍👍👍
Only if HAL can maintain the pace & planned expansion...

HAL will maintain the pace only when they are under pressure of MoD and IAF's strict timelines. Things needs to be restructured in HAL such that they will be fined when timeline is not met.

 

[Aloo]

HAL will maintain the pace only when they are under pressure of MoD and IAF's strict timelines. Things needs to be restructured in HAL such that they will be fined when timeline is not met.

IAF/MoD can put pressure by using penalty clause in Mk1A contract.

Funds hurt most, hope they use it and HAL learns from money loss.

 

[Sandeep]

This third squadron will have the latest Tejas MK1A jets which we need on the borders as soon as possible. A few days ago on this site they mentioned that they will deliver around 16 jets by mid 2025 which will be a major achievement by HAL if they manage to do that but you have to be wary in whatever they say.

In the meantime while production starts and continues to hopefully improve what HAL should do is to convert and modify all of the 40 Tejas MK1 jets that we have built already. This will allow us to use them on the frontline rather than kept as reserves or down at the southern command where there’s very little threat.

 

[Anant]

Good going IAF+HAL.. During the induction of new products, rollout of first 7-10 products is always a conscious decision and we must not skip this process to ensure survivability of product life.. After that, process can be accelerated to faster the production at higher rates.

Just like the Tejas trainer?

 

[Akshat]

Good news, better late than never 👍👍👍
Only if HAL can maintain the pace & planned expansion...

To maintain the pace Hal first has to achieve the pace, no?

 

[Akshat]

HAL will maintain the pace only when they are under pressure of MoD and IAF's strict timelines. Things needs to be restructured in HAL such that they will be fined when timeline is not met.

Penalties are not going to help here. HAL’s management has no performance clause. So ever if they lose money, the actual men in charge lose nothing.

Also, if MoD imposes fines, then they actually lose money as the share price will crash leading to even higher loses.

 

[Akshat]

IAF/MoD can put pressure by using penalty clause in Mk1A contract.

Funds hurt most, hope they use it and HAL learns from money loss.

But money lost by HAL has no effect on the men in charge, the management of HAL. So even if they are fined the management loses not a penny. On the other hand, the share price will crash leading to loses for the GoI. So how exactly will penalties help buddy?

 

[Ashish Sandhu]

So, the first squadron by 2026, a second squadron by 2028, and a third by late 2029 or early 2030, if things go well. Eh, very optimistic, but not bad.

But by then, we will also have Tejas Mk2 and I don't think but might be AMCA also.

 

[Raakbas]

I am so proud and happy to hear that Tejas 1A is finally going to be produced en masse. I feel happier to see Indian made nuclear submarines are being delivered one after the other and Arighat is undergoing sea trials. We have come a long way indeed. I wish the very best for my country.❤️❤️❤️❤️💐💐💐💐💐