The indigenous fighter jet, Light Combat aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A `Tejas’, is nearing delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF), with expectations set for July following ongoing weapon integration tests. Earlier this year, the aircraft completed its inaugural flight without armaments.

Following a comprehensive review by the IAF and state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas project is on track for joining the IAF fleet later this summer.

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According to information in the public domain, “The IAF Force and HAL have recently reviewed the fighter aircraft Tejas project and now it is expected to be handed over to the Air Force by July this year.”

The IAF’s procurement of 83 Tejas MK-1A, valued at Rs 48,000 crores, reflects a significant investment in indigenous defence capability. Additional orders for 97 Tejas aircraft signalling a potential outlay of Rs 65,000 crore by year-end, could further bolster the nation’s aerial prowess. Noteworthy is the potential invitation to the Prime Minister to commemorate this milestone. 

With eyes set on retirement, the Tejas Mark-1A stands poised to replace aging MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 aircraft, promising enhanced capabilities at forward operating airbases along the Western Border. The impending deployment of the first squadron, dubbed “Cobra,” at Nal Airbase in Rajasthan underscores the strategic significance of this modern marvel.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a tender to HAL to purchase 97 indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas Mark 1A. This tender is the largest order ever given by the government of India for indigenous military equipment. HAL has to respond to the tender within three months.

Tejas will replace MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 fighter jets

The first squadron of Mark 1A `Cobra’ will be deployed at Nal Airbase (Bikaner) in Rajasthan, close to the Pakistan border.

It is expected that by the end of 2024, the entire squadron of LCA-Mk1A will be ready at Nal. Initially three squadrons of Mark 1A will be raised. All these three squadrons will be deployed at forward location airbases on the Western Border i.e. the border with Pakistan. It is believed that the second squadron will be deployed at Naliya Air Base in Kutch, Gujarat.

Mark-1A is more deadly than LCA Tejas

Financial Express Online reported in 2021, the MoD signed a deal with HAL for 83 LCA-Mk1A fighter aircraft. These will include 10 Mk1A trainer aircraft. HAL claims that IAF will get all Mk1A by 2027-28. This variant of LCA is more lethal than LCA Tejas Mk1 due to BVR i.e. Beyond Visual Range Missile, Air to Air Refueling, AESA Radar, Electronic Warfare Suite and Early Warning Radar System.