The TEJAS MK-1A is a domestically produced light combat aircraft that was created with the demands of contemporary warfare in mind. It is intended to replace the IAF’s aging fleets of SEPECAT Jaguars, MiG-21s, Mirage 2000s, and MiG-29s. The TEJAS MK-1A was created with the demands of contemporary warfare in mind.
Modern avionics, such as a multi-mode radar, electronic warfare suite, and beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities, are features of the TEJAS MK-1A. Its Elta EL/M-2052 AESA radar, manufactured in Israel, improves tracking and targeting precision. The TEJAS jet is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire flight control computer that was developed in the country.
To combat its dwindling number of fighter squadrons, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is attempting to boost TEJAS fighter jet production. Important details about this initiative:
Only 30 of the IAF’s 42 fighter squadrons are currently in operation, which is insufficient to handle China and Pakistani threats. In order to meet this goal, the IAF plans to introduce about 300 TEJAS fighters over the course of the next 15 years, which will require Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to significantly boost production.
At its Nashik facility, HAL is setting up a fourth assembly line for the TEJAS MK-1A, which should be operational by the middle of 2026. The yearly production rate will rise to 30 units as a result. For the TEJAS MK-1A, HAL currently has two assembly lines; a third line is scheduled to start production in March 2025, with an overall yearly production goal of 24 units. Additionally, there are plans to boost production to 36 jets annually.
HAL’s sluggish TEJAS fighter production has angered Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who has pointed out that the first 40 TEJAS fighters, which started deliveries in 2016, are still unfinished. The production has also been affected by a General Electric GE-F404 turbofan jet engine supply delay.
In an agreement with HAL valued at ₹36,468 crore, the IAF has ordered 83 TEJAS MK-1A variants. The project to purchase 97 more TEJAS aircraft for the Indian Air Force has been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council. On March 28 of last year, the TEJAS MK-1A variant successfully completed its first test flight.
The much-delayed GE-F404 turbofan jet engines for the TEJAS MK-1A fighters are anticipated to be supplied by the US company General Electric. Final talks between the US and India are also underway for General Electric and HAL to co-produce GE-F414 jet engines in India for the TEJAS MK-2 fighters, with 80% of the technology transferred.
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It is anticipated that the TEJAS MK-1A fighter jet’s yearly production rate will rise to 30 units with the installation of a fourth assembly line at HAL’s Nashik facility. By meeting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) demand and guaranteeing a steady supply of domestic fighter jets, this expansion seeks to improve India’s defense capabilities1. By the middle of 2026, the new assembly line should be up and running.
