IAF set to obtain first Tejas Mk1A as fighter jet scarcity persists

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is about to obtain its first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A on October 17 throughout a ceremony in Nashik, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet programme.

According to officers, two Tejas Mk1A jets might be handed over to the IAF within the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. He may also go to The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility and work together with employees concerned in manufacturing.

HAL’s contract to ship 83 Tejas Mk1A plane — initially scheduled to start in February 2024 — has confronted delays primarily resulting from gradual engine deliveries from General Electric (GE Aerospace). With just one or two engines being provided per 30 days, HAL now targets finishing deliveries inside 4 years, supplied there aren’t any additional setbacks.

Negotiations for an extra 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters are within the remaining phases, with talks between the Ministry of Defence and GE Aerospace beneath method.

Defence analysts level out that the IAF is working with 29 squadrons, effectively under its sanctioned power of 42 squadrons, and that it might take no less than 5 years to bridge the aptitude hole. Even months after Operation Sindoor, no vital progress has been made in replenishing the depleted fighter squadrons. Recently, two MiG-21 squadrons have been decommissioned.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh not too long ago voiced his concern, “Hungry mouths are prepared; we’re ready for the meals,” he mentioned, emphasising that to keep up optimum power, the drive requires two squadrons — round 30 to 40 plane — produced yearly.

Meanwhile, the IAF’s proposal to amass 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) continues to progress by way of procedural phases. The Defence Ministry is contemplating a plan to acquire ‘Made in India’ Rafale jets, with no less than 18 anticipated to be delivered off-the-shelf within the close to time period.

French producer Dassault Aviation not too long ago confirmed {that a} whole of 533 Rafale jets have been ordered globally, with 233 nonetheless in manufacturing. Output has now elevated to 4 plane per 30 days.

In parallel, the federal government has sanctioned over ₹15,000 crore for the event of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) — India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter, which is anticipated to take flight inside this decade and enter service by 2035.

Defence consultants estimate that India would require no less than 200-250 extra fighters and a parallel indigenous manufacturing line to make sure long-term operational readiness.