Two Tejas Mk-1A Fighter Jets To Join IAF Fleet By September End – How Will They Enhance India’s Air Power? News24 –
In a significant step to boost India’s defence capabilities, two indigenous fighters, Tejas Mark 1As, are likely to be delivered by September-end. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that two Tejas Mk-1A aircraft will soon be added to the Indian Air Force fleet. Tejas, India’s indigenous fighter aircraft, is set to replace the MiG-21 and become a key workhorse for the Indian Air Force, he added.
“The intent is to provide enough visibility to HAL to perfect this platform. About 38 are already in service, another 80-odd are being manufactured; 10 of them are ready, and two engines have been delivered so far. Hopefully, the first two of those are going to be delivered with weapons integration this September. We will do the contact signing next month,” said Singh during NDTV Defence Summit.
About Tejas MK-1A, How Will They Enhance India’s Air Power?
Tejas Mk-1A is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is a government aerospace company. It is an upgraded Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) featuring an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an enhanced electronic warfare suite for improved survivability, Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) capability, and network-centric warfare systems using Software-Defined Radio (SDR).
The aircraft can reach a maximum speed of 2205km/h and is capable of refuelling mid-air. Tejas Mark-1A is a new generation, multi-role fighter jet, and a state-of-the-art combat aircraft, specifically designed for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is considered a significant upgrade over the MiG-21, featuring advanced radar systems, avionics and weapon.
AESA Radar Technology Gives Them the Edge
This indigenous aircraft is equipped with AESA radar technology, which helps the army in long-range surveillance and accurate targeting. Apart from this, this aircraft has digital fly-by-wire system which helps in balancing and controlling the aircraft through electronic interface instead of manual control.
The aircraft is equipped with weapons such as the R-73 close-combat missile and precision-guided bombs. This fighter jet is capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks and has a payload capacity of approximately 4,000 kg. It can fly up to 50000 feet in the air and maximum combat range is 739km. Notably, the Tejas Mark-1A had completed its first successful flight on March 28, 2024.
Earlier on May 30, in a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, the first centre fuselage assembly for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by M/s VEM Technologies in Hyderabad.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Hails Tejas Aircraft
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his address at the World Leaders Forum on August 22, highlighted recent breakthroughs in indigenous capability. He noted that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received orders worth Rs 66,000 crore for 97 Tejas fighter aircraft, in addition to an earlier order of 83 aircraft worth Rs 48,000 crore.
“Our Tejas aircraft is going to be a great example of India’s indigenous defence capabilities. We have also taken steps towards making fifth generation fighter aircraft and aircraft engines in India,” Singh said.