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New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive its first Tejas MK-1A fighter jet on Thursday, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing programme.
The aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will be handed over to the Indian Air Force on Friday at a ceremony in Nashik, Maharashtra in the presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
The state-of-the-art Tejas Mk-1A Tejas is an upgraded version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and will replace the recently retired MiG-21 fleet.
The Indian Air Force phased out the MiG-21 on September 26 after more than six decades in service.
The Tejas MK-1A features advanced avionics, a modern radar system, superior weapon capabilities and a state-of-the-art electronic warfare suite. With a top speed of over 2,200 km/h, it is designed for advanced combat performance and operational flexibility.
HAL has confirmed that all flight and system tests of Tejas MK-1A have been completed successfully. The aircraft will carry several indigenous weapon systems, including the BrahMos missile, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology.
The first batch of Tejas MK-1A aircraft is expected to be deployed at NAL Air Base in Bikaner, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border.
Last month, on September 25, the Defense Ministry signed a contract worth Rs 62,370 crore with HAL for the supply of 97 Tejas MK-1A fighter jets – 68 single-seater and 29 twin-seater trainer variants. This deal is expected to significantly increase the operational strength of the Indian Air Force.
HAL officials said the production of LCA MK-1A is gaining momentum. The company recently received four GE-404 jet engines from US manufacturer General Electric, with a total of 12 engines expected to be delivered by the end of this financial year. These engines will power the first batch of aircraft.
According to HAL, more than 65 percent of the components used in the Tejas MK-1A are indigenously manufactured, reflecting India’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The improved engine supply chain is expected to accelerate deliveries of aircraft to the Indian Air Force in the coming years.
–IANS
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