India's Tejas Mark-1A Fighter Jet Production Accelerates with New Engine Arrival
Tejas Mark-1A Production Gains Traction
New Delhi, July 15: The production process for India's homegrown fighter jet, the Tejas Mark-1A, is poised to accelerate following the delivery of the GE-404 jet engine from the United States.
This delivery marks the second shipment of engines from General Electric for the Tejas Mark-1A initiative.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the government-owned aerospace manufacturer, is set to receive a total of 12 GE-404 engines by the conclusion of the current financial year. These engines will be utilized in the Tejas Mark-1A jets ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The IAF has placed an order for 83 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft, aiming to bolster its diminishing fleet with domestically produced fighter jets. Currently, the Air Force operates two squadrons of the earlier Mark-1 variant, which are based at the Sulur Airbase in Tamil Nadu.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has previously voiced concerns regarding delays in the delivery of the Mark-1A jets, highlighting the lack of engine availability as a significant factor. HAL has also recognized these delays, attributing them to the wait for imported engines. With the resumption of engine supplies, the delivery of the new aircraft is anticipated to commence shortly.
The Mark-1A variant, an enhanced version of the LCA Tejas, plays a crucial role in India's initiative for self-sufficiency in defense under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' program. The Ministry of Defence is focused on making the LCA project a cornerstone of the Air Force, with plans to establish additional squadrons based on this aircraft.
The government has already sanctioned the procurement of 83 Mark-1A jets, with a proposal for an additional 97 jets currently under review. In total, 220 LCA Tejas aircraft are expected to gradually replace the aging MiG-21, MiG-29, and Mirage fighters within the IAF fleet.
Furthermore, the government has approved the development of the LCA Mark-2, also known as the Medium Weight Fighter, which will further enhance the indigenous fighter jet program.