Latest news with #TejasMk1A
NDTV
an hour ago
- General
- NDTV
Saga Of Tejas - The Fighter Jet That Will Replace The Mighty MiG-21
The mighty MiG-21, after serving the air force for 62 years, will retire and get replaced by the newer Tejas fighter jets. An idea conceived in the late 1980s, but several delays, developments and changes in technology pushed MiG-21's retirement. There are only two squadrons - 36 MiG-21s in service. The No. 3 Squadron, Cobras, and the No. 23 Squadron, Panthers, both at the Nal Air Base in Rajasthan, are homes of the remaining MiG-21 Bison. These squadrons will get the upgraded Tejas Mark 1A once the MiGs are phased out of active service in September this year. The Tejas fighter jets are with two squadrons of the Indian Air Force - No. 45, the Flying Daggers and No. 18, the Flying Bullets. An order for more Tejas MK1A has been placed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, but has not yet been delivered, a delay even flagged by the chief of the IAF, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. In 1983, the development of LCA was sanctioned, and the Centre constituted the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in 1984. Around Rs 560 crore were sanctioned for the programme, with the Centre giving a timeline of eight to 10 years to develop an aircraft. The project was assessed to be completed by 2004, but even after 30 years, the Tejas, in full numbers, is yet to be inducted. Tejas Mk1A Goes Airborne On March 28 last year, Group Captain KK Venugopal (Retired), a test pilot, took the Tejas Mk1A to the skies and was airborne for 15 minutes. The sortie was the first successful flight of the MK1A version of the fighter jet. Group Captain Sunit Krishna, a test pilot of the LCA Tejas Mk1, spoke to NDTV India and said, "With time, the technology has to be improved and have to be integrated. The Indian Air Force wanted new systems to be integrated into the Tejas so that it could be in service for the next three decades." "The aircraft might look similar from the outside, but new electronics, processors, display systems, and the hardware of fly-by-wire systems have been list out, it has new AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, air-to-ground, air-to-air modes and self-protection jammers, and the mission computer in MK1A is new and indigenous. The aircraft is future-ready," Group Captain Krishna said. The design of an aircraft poses limitations to integrating new systems. The HAL has incorporated the latest technology with slight modifications in the design to give a newer aircraft. The new variant will have almost 50 per cent more indigenous content than its predecessor. The MK1A version will have 40 more improvements than the previous one. The Tejas Mk1A will have the advanced Israel EL/M-2025 AESA Radar. It will soon be replaced by the Uttam AESA Radar, indigenously developed by Bharat Electronics Limited and HAL. The Uttam Radar can track multiple targets and reportedly has a range of more than 200 km to give the aircraft a 360-degree scanned view of its surroundings. It will be used in the later variants like Tejas Mk2 and the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighters (TEDBF). The HAL has maintained a commonality between the Mk1 and Mk1A variants. The new version will have enhanced situational awareness with a slightly bigger canopy and changes in the jet aerodynamics to improve its manoeuvrability. Mk1A will have around nine hard points on its underbelly to carry various types of weaponry like the Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, Air-to-Air/Ground missiles, and Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air missiles (ASRAAM). External self-protection jammer pods will allow the aircraft to engage in electronic warfare. An indigenously developed digital fly-by-wire flight control computer was integrated into the Tejas jet. Fly-by-wire systems in aircraft replace mechanical flight controls with an electronic interface "In a significant development towards Tejas Mk1A programme, the digital fly-by-wire flight control computer (DFCC) was integrated into prototype LSP7 and successfully flown on February 19," the defence ministry said. "The Tejas Mk1A will have an advanced electronic RADAR, warfare and communication systems, additional combat capability and improved maintenance features," HAL said. The new Electronic Warfare Suite consists of a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) system & Advanced Self Protection Jammer (ASPJ) pod will be installed into MK1A. The purpose of the system is to protect the aircraft against ground-based acquisition radars, fire control radars, anti-aircraft artillery and airborne multimode radars. The Indian Air Force has ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A variants in a Rs 36,468 crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. In November 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the project to acquire 97 more Tejas jets for the Indian Air Force. The Tejas are powered by American General Electric's F-404 engines, but the firm is running behind schedule by two years. "We are working with our partner HAL and suppliers to resolve constraints and deliver F404-IN20 engines for the LCA Mk1 programme," Financial Express reported, quoting GE Aerospace. The Tejas Saga - Crash Course On LCA's History Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar, an exceptional fighter pilot and former director ADA, has chronicled the journey of Tejas, giving one of the most detailed accounts of the fighter aircraft's journey. Air Marshal Rajkumar, in his book, 'The Tejas Saga', writes that the LCA programme commenced in 1969 when then Defence Minister C Subramaniam recommended India should develop a roadmap in aeronautics and build an indigenous fighter jet, helicopter and cargo aircraft. The committee felt that self-reliance in aviation was needed. 60 years since the HAL HF-24 Marut first flew. Photos from the collection of Pushpindar Singh Chopra. The Marut was possibly his all time favourite aircraft. — Angad Singh (@zone5aviation) June 17, 2021 However, the India-Pakistan war in 1971 and sanctions post the Pokhran-1 nuclear test pushed the programme, along with political changes in India. Though the HF-24, also known as Marut, was developed by HAL in the 1960s but the underpowered fighter jet, which was intended to be a supersonic fighter, became obsolete by the 1980s, and the age of fourth-generation fighters that have speed, agility, better avionics and guided weapons had begun. LCA Becomes Tejas In January 2001, the Technology Demonstrator-1 (TD-1) was airborne for the first time, a significant moment in India's fighter aviation history. However, the scheduled date of completion was December 1996. The LCA programme was rechristened as 'Tejas'. But the delays are not entirely due to bureaucratic hurdles but also because of evolving technology. It was initially planned to phase out MIG-21s in the 1990s once Tejas is ready, but HAL had experience of developing Marut, an older generation aircraft, and building a Tejas to compete with modern fighters like the MiG-29, Mirages meant jumping from 1st generation Marut to 4th generation Tejas. The delay in executing the LCA project is often credited to the development of Multi Mode Radar, Flight control system, Digital Electronic Engine Control, integration of Kaveri engine on LCA, and the up-gradation of MiG-Bis aircraft. The import of Su-30 MKI aircraft to cover the shortfall in fighter aircraft. This was even highlighted in the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in 1999. The report said the delays did impact the IAF's operational preparedness. Further delays meant the aircraft had to be upgraded to 4+ generation multirole fighter aircraft, which meant pole vaulting from knowledge and experience of building a 1st generation aircraft to the latest technology. The TD-1, which was airborne, was much different from the Tejas in service. Despite delays, engineers at the Aeronautical Development Agency (HAL), DRDO, and HAL have worked to build a purely indigenous supersonic fighter jet. The ADA had proposed an indigenous jet fuel starter, gearbox, avionics software development and mechanical systems, development of the Carbon Fibre Composite (CFC) Wing, Multi-Mode Radar, etc. The sanctions placed by US on India in 1998 in the aftermath of the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, compelled engineers at ADA to develop the digital flight control system. The Indian Air Force has a sanctioned squadron strength of 41, but only 31 squadrons are operational. The ageing fleet of the IAF means a further drop in numbers if Tejas is not delivered on time to replace Jaguars, MiG-29s, Mirage-2000s. Regarding delays in the LCA project, a representative of the Air Force, who deposed before a Standing Committee on Defence (2022-2023), said, "We had made an aircraft before this. The last aircraft that we designed was Marut. So, after a gap of 30 years plus, we are now trying to make a fighter aircraft in-house. We took a giant leap." "We could have gone for some middle-level or one-generation below aircraft. LCA is a four-plus generation aircraft. We could have gone for a third-generation aircraft with conventional controls and with all the rudimentary dials in old avionics, but we had to catch up with technology. I think it was a very good step taken, though we have taken much longer than we should have," the representative added.
NDTV
8 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
MiG-21, Indian Air Force's Workhorse, To Be Phased Out In September
New Delhi: The MiG-21 - that redoubtable warhorse of the Indian Air Force - will be phased out of active service by September, to be replaced by the newer and nimbler Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. The IAF has 36 MiG-21 planes left in its arsenal, a far cry from the nearly 900 - of which around 660 were built in India - that so successfully protected the nation's skies and territories. The MiG-21 first entered service in 1963, on a trial basis. The Russian-made jet went on to form the backbone of the Air Force till the mid-2000s, when the Sukhoi Su-30MKIs were brought in. The final variant to serve India - the ones which will now be phased out - was the Bison, which featured upgraded electronics and better navigation and communications systems. In October 2023, MiG-21 fighter aircraft from the No 4 squadron flew for one last time over the town of Barmer in Rajasthan, a 'farewell and thank you for the memories' moment it shared with the planes taking up its role in the state that borders Pakistan, the also Russian-made Sukhoi. #WATCH | Marking the end of an era, the MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft of the No 4 squadron of the Indian Air Force flew for the last time over the Uttarlai town in Barmer, Rajasthan. On this occasion, the MiG-21 Bison flew alongside the Su-30 MKI. — ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2023 "We will stop flying the MiG-21 fighter aircraft by 2025 and will replace them with the LCA Mark-1A," then-Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari had said then. In July 2022 the Air Force had confirmed a three-year timeline to phase out the four remaining MiG-21 squadrons still in service. The plan also involves phasing out the MiG-29s by 2027. The phasing out of the MiG-21 fleet comes after numerous crashes involving the aging plane, including an incident in Rajasthan in May 2023 in which the three villagers were killed. The MiG-21 in question took off from the Suratgarh Air Force base for a routine exercise when it crashed near Bahlol Nagar in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh after a 'technical snag'. The Air Force grounded the entire MiG-21 fleet after that accident. Among the earlier squadrons to have been phased out was the Srinagar-based No 51, which took part in Operation Safed Sagar during the Kargil war. It also repulsed Pakistan's retaliatory action in February 2019, a day after airstrikes in Balakot targeted terrorist camps in Pak. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, now a Group Captain, who shot down a Pak jet in aerial combat before he was forced down too and was captured, was from that squadron. Meanwhile, India is also developing a fifth-generation stealth fighter that will vault the country into an elite club - one of only three other countries with such advanced fighter aircraft. NDTV Explains | The multirole Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft will be a single-seat, twin-engine jet with advanced stealth coatings and internal weapons bays, and the plane - most of which will made in-house, at Bengaluru's Aeronautical Development Agency - will cost over Rs 15,000 crore.
The Hindu
8 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
Indian Air Force to retire MIG-21 jets in September
After over six decades in service, the Indian Air Force is preparing to formally retire its last MiG-21 Bison jets. A senior Defence official has confirmed the development has said that the jets will be retired in September this year in a ceremonial send-off that will be held in Chandigarh air base. It will bringing a close to 62-year journey that began in 1963. According to sources, there are plan to replace MiG-21 jets by the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. MIG 21 jets, currently operated by the 23 Squadron — also known as the Panthers. The jets have played a role in several major conflicts that include 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, the Kargil 1999, Balakot Airstrikes 2019 and most recently, the Operation Sindoor. It was a MiG-21 Bison flown by then Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman during Balakot airstrikes.
India.com
4 days ago
- India.com
Made in India, Feared Worldwide: The Tejas-Astra Combo That's Changing Air Combat Forever
Made in India, Feared Worldwide: The Tejas-Astra Combo That's Changing Air Combat Forever Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing for the inaugural live firing test of the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Tejas Mk1A platform, slated for early August 2025. By Girish Linganna Edited by Joy Pillai Advertisement Made in India, Feared Worldwide: The Tejas-Astra Combo That's Changing Air Combat Forever Bottom Line Up Front: India is about to achieve a major milestone in August 2025 with the first live-fire test of the indigenous Astra Mk1 missile from the advanced Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, marking a crucial step toward complete self-reliance in air combat capabilities and strengthening India's defense posture against any future conflicts as reported by The Historic Moment Approaching Advertisement === Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing for the inaugural live firing test of the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Tejas Mk1A platform, slated for early August 2025. HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil announced the forthcoming trial, marking a crucial advancement in India's pursuit to bolster its homegrown air combat technology. This represents more than just a weapons test—it's a declaration of India's technological independence in aerospace defense. The importance of this test cannot be overstated. The Astra Mk1 missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has already been successfully tested on earlier Tejas Mk1 variants using the ELTA ELM-2032 Multi-Mode Fire Control Radar. The Tejas Mk1A, however, introduces substantial upgrades, including the ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a new Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), both of which require fresh integration trials with existing weapons systems. Advertisement === Understanding the Astra Missile Family: From Mk1 to the Future Astra Mk1: The Foundation Stone Astra Mk-1 is 3.6 m (12 ft) long with a diameter of 178 mm (7.0 in) and weighs 154 kg (340 lb). It uses mid-course inertial guidance driven by fibre-optic gyroscope with terminal guidance through active radar homing. It is capable of receiving course corrections through a secure data link. Think of the Astra Mk1 as India's answer to modern air combat needs. The missile's active radar seeker, with a homing range of 25 km (16 mi), was designed by Russia's Concern Morinformsystem-Agat but manufactured within India. The seeker can lock-on to a target with a radar cross section of 5 square metres from a distance of 15 km and enables off-boresight launches up to an angle of 45°. The missile's capabilities are impressive: The maximum range of Astra is 110 km in head-on chase and 20 km in tail chase. The missile could be launched from different altitudes – it can cover 110 km when launched from an altitude of 15 km, 44 km when fired from an altitude of eight km and 21 km when the altitude is sea-level. Astra Mk2: The Game Changer The Astra Mk2 represents a significant leap forward. Unlike the single-pulse rocket motor of the Astra Mk-1, the Astra Mk-2 uses a dual-pulse rocket motor, which dramatically increases its range and kill probability. Here's how this technology works in simple terms: The single-pulse rocket motor in the Astra Mk-1 burns its entire solid propellant in one go during the launch phase, imparting high kinetic energy and velocity to the missile, to the tune of 4.5 Mach or above. After the propellant burns out, the missile coasts down without any power, relying simply on gravity and kinetic energy. The farther away the target, the more the A2A missile slows down due to air drag. This limits the end-game kinematics of the missile — essentially the maneuvering capability of the missile when it reaches close to its target. This is precisely what the dual-pulse rocket motor aims to address. In the endgame, the second pulse of the dual-pulse motor fires, giving additional velocity and kinetic energy to the missile, providing either additional range or better end-game kinematics for a higher probability of kill. With a projected range of 140–160 km, the Astra MkII incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including a dual-pulse rocket motor, upgraded guidance algorithms, and an indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker. The missile is slated to achieve operational readiness by 2026. Astra Mk3: The Future Vision India and Russia are working together to build a future Mk-3 model powered by a solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) engine. Range: Astra Mk-1: 110 km (68 mi) / Astra Mk-2: 160 km (99 mi) / Astra Mk-3: 350 km (220 mi). This would put the Astra Mk3 in the same league as the world's most advanced air-to-air missiles. Radar Technology: The Eyes of Modern Fighters ELM-2052 AESA Radar: Current Technology The Tejas Mk1A currently uses the Israeli ELM-2052 AESA radar, which represents cutting-edge technology. The FCR is based on fully solid-state active phased array technology. The radar has multi-target tracking capabilities, able to track up to 64 targets simultaneously. The EL/M-2052 radar incorporates operational feedback from Israeli Air Force combat pilots. Understanding AESA Technology To understand why AESA radars are revolutionary, imagine the difference between a flashlight and a disco ball with hundreds of individual lights. Traditional radars are like flashlights—they send out one beam that physically moves to scan the sky. AESA radars are like having hundreds of tiny radar transmitters working together, allowing them to: – Track multiple targets simultaneously – Switch between different modes instantly – Resist enemy jamming better – Detect targets at longer ranges – Operate with lower probability of being detected Uttam AESA Radar: India's Indigenous Pride Uttam (lit. 'Excellent') is a solid-state gallium arsenide (GaAs) based AESA radar under development by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a laboratory of the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a low probability of intercept radar. It is a liquid cooled AESA radar featuring quad band modules that can be stacked to form a larger unit. The Uttam Mk-1 has a total of 912 TRMs. The indigenous Uttam radar offers impressive capabilities: The radar is capable of tracking 100 targets simultaneously and engage 6 of them by SARH/ARH missiles in high priority tracking mode. For comparison, Elta EL/M-2052 is capable of tracking 64 targets in TWS mode. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of Defence Research & Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), refuted reports claiming that all 73 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets would be equipped with Israeli ELM-2052 AESA radars. Clarifying the status of radar integration in India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, Dr. Kamat stated, 'No, I don't think it's true. Discussions are still underway, and the plan is to integrate the Uttam AESA radar starting from the 41st Tejas Mk1A jet.' How This Technology Helps in Operation Sindoor-Type Scenarios The recent Operation Sindoor in May 2025 demonstrates exactly why indigenous capabilities matter. That pattern of inaction began to change in 2016, when in response to an attack at Uri, Indian special forces raided terrorist camps just across the Line of Control. At the next crisis, India's response was notably more aggressive. In 2019, in response to an attack at Pulwama, India launched an air strike targeting a terrorist site at Balakot. As I wrote in these pages, the Balakot air strike sought to deter Pakistan by crossing multiple new thresholds — India used airpower against Pakistan for the first time since 1971, and reached into undisputed Pakistani territory beyond Kashmir — and by deliberately generating risk to intimidate Pakistan. On 7 May 2025, India announced that it had launched missile and air strikes, codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeting nine sites across Pakistani-administered Azad Kashmir and Pakistan's Punjab province. According to sources cited by India Today, Rafale jets were employed, equipped with SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs. The integration of Tejas Mk1A with Astra missiles provides several advantages in such scenarios: Stand-Off Capability: With a range surpassing 100 kilometers and sophisticated guidance systems, the Astra Mk1 is engineered to accurately neutralize aerial threats, even in environments with electronic interference. Its successful integration with the Tejas Mk1A will significantly augment the aircraft's air superiority, particularly in deployments at frontline airbases. Indigenous Advantage: Unlike imported weapons systems that may face restrictions during conflicts, indigenous systems can be deployed without external limitations. India carried out accurate strikes on fortified positions across the border using only domestically developed or assembled systems such as BrahMos missiles, Akashteer air defense units, and loitering munitions, without relying on U.S. platforms or foreign logistics. Quick Response: Forward airbases equipped with Tejas Mk1A fighters can respond rapidly to emerging threats without waiting for clearances or spare parts from foreign suppliers. Production Challenges and the Need for Speed The article rightly points out that Despite facing prior delays related to engine deliveries and radar integration, HAL is on course to deliver 12 Tejas Mk1A aircraft in 2025, with the inaugural aircraft expected to leave HAL's Nashik production line by the end of July. However, the production rate needs acceleration. The suggestion to involve private sector companies more extensively makes strategic sense. Currently, private companies manufacture components that HAL then assembles. A more distributed manufacturing approach where multiple companies can produce complete aircraft would: – Increase production rate significantly – Create redundancy in manufacturing capability – Reduce dependency on single production lines – Enable faster technology transfer and innovation The Strategic Importance of Self-Reliance The Astra program supports the IAF's goal of reducing reliance on foreign-sourced weaponry while enhancing autonomous strike capabilities. This is not just about saving foreign exchange—it's about strategic autonomy. When conflicts arise, countries with indigenous capabilities can: – Continue operations without external supply chain dependencies – Modify systems quickly based on battlefield requirements – Scale up production rapidly during extended conflicts – Avoid potential technology sanctions or restrictions Future Integration: Uttam Radar and Astra Mk2 The recommendation to start testing Astra Mk2 with Uttam radar on Tejas Mk1A before the 41st aircraft is strategically sound. The dual-pulse motor allows the missile to conserve energy during its mid-course flight and unleash a second burst of propulsion during the final approach, significantly increasing its no-escape zone (NEZ)—the range within which a target cannot evade the missile. This combination would provide: – Extended engagement range (140-160 km for Mk2 vs 110 km for Mk1) – Better tracking capability (100 targets for Uttam vs 64 for ELM-2052) – Complete indigenous system integration – Cost advantages (Rs 7-8 crore per Astra unit vs Rs 25 crore for imported alternatives) HAL's Critical Role in National Defense HAL's success in this program demonstrates India's growing aerospace capabilities. HAL has confirmed orders for 83 Mk1As and anticipates orders for an additional 97 examples. This represents not just aircraft production but the development of an entire aerospace ecosystem. The successful integration of Astra missiles with Tejas fighters proves that Indian organizations can develop world-class military technology. The successful test represents another step in the weapon's integration with the Tejas fighter platform. ASTRA is set to become a key part of the standard armament for both Tejas and the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. Looking Ahead: Building Squadron Strength The criticism about deployment timeline is valid. India needs its first Tejas Mk1A squadron operational at the earliest. This requires: **Parallel Development:** Testing Astra Mk2 and Uttam radar integration should proceed simultaneously with Mk1 deliveries, not sequentially. **Rapid Scaling:** The suggestion for licensed production by multiple companies could dramatically increase production rates. **Forward Deployment:** One of the IAF's key expectations is that the Tejas Mk1A, once certified, will be deployable at forward airbases along India's borders, particularly in the western and northern sectors facing Pakistan and China. These bases, often located in challenging terrains and closer to potential flashpoints, require aircraft with robust performance, quick response times, and advanced weaponry. Conclusion: A New Chapter in Indian Aerospace The upcoming Astra Mk1 test from Tejas Mk1A in August 2025 represents more than a technological milestone—it symbolizes India's journey toward complete self-reliance in critical defense technologies. These developments affirm India's commitment to strengthening its domestic defense industry and enhancing its air combat readiness. As recent conflicts have shown, indigenous capabilities provide strategic advantages that cannot be matched by imported systems. The combination of Tejas fighters, Astra missiles, and Uttam radars creates a formidable indigenous air defense capability that can respond to threats without external dependencies. The path forward requires accelerated production, expanded private sector involvement, and continued investment in research and development. With HAL leading this charge and DRDO providing cutting-edge technology, India is well-positioned to achieve complete aerospace self-reliance within this decade. The sky is no longer the limit—it's India's domain to protect with indigenous excellence.
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Second GE 404 engine delivered to HAL, 12 Tejas Mk 1 A to be delivered by year-end: Officials
Twelve Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will be ready to be rolled out by December this year, of which six have already been lined up, government officials privy to the latest developments have said. Officials confirmed to The Indian Express that the second GE F404 engine from US defence major GE Aerospace has already landed in India as of Monday and would be taken to the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Bengaluru, where they will be integrated with the indigenous Tejas Mk 1 A aircraft. In August 2021, HAL placed an order worth Rs 5,375 crore for 99 F404 engines with GE Aerospace to power the indigenously made Tejas Mk-1A. The first of these jet engines was delivered to HAL after a delay of nearly a year and a half, in April this year. The Indian Air Force has placed an order to procure 83 Mk 1 A fighter jets. The defence ministry is also in the process of procuring 97 more LCA Mk-1As at a cost of around Rs 67,000 crore Officials said that GE Aerospace has said it will deliver 10 engines by the end of this year. 'It takes about a month to integrate the engines and do the tests. The process first involves building the fuselage, then getting the lobing and piping done, followed by combining the landing gear,' an official explained. 'After integrating the engines, the ground runs, including the high-speed runs, are carried out for all thorough checks,' the official added. The deliveries of LCA Tejas Mk 1A were scheduled to begin in March 2024, but were delayed by over a year. Last month, HAL Chairperson and Managing Director D K Sunil attributed the delay to GE Aerospace missing the deadline to supply the aircraft engines to HAL for Tejas Mk 1A. The development came weeks after IAF Chief Air Marshal AP Singh expressed concerns over delays in the delivery of the jets. The timely induction of the indigenous fighter jets, including Tejas Mk 1A, is crucial to hold the IAF's dwindling squadron strength. The IAF has phased out most of its MiG-21 squadrons, and early next decade, it is likely to begin phasing out other ageing fighter squadrons. According to officials, HAL plans to produce 16 fighter jets next year, provided the engine deliveries from the US are on schedule. The original plans were to produce 16 aircraft every year and complete deliveries of all jets by 2030. The Tejas Mk 1 A jets have multiple upgrades over the Tejas Mk 1 version, including integration of the AESA radar, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite with a jammer, and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities with integration of Derby and the indigenous ASTRA missile. Officials said testing for the indigenously-made ASTRA missile firings from the aircraft is underway at present. Earlier this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asked US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to expedite the deliveries of GE F404 engines that will power the Tejas Mk 1 A. The engine deliveries from GE Aerospace were originally scheduled to begin in 2023, but were delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues.
