Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has moved one step closer to handing over the first Tejas Mk1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF), following the arrival of the fourth General Electric F404 engine needed for initial assembly.
The new batch of engines has enabled HAL to complete the integration process for the first aircraft in the Mk1A series, which is now undergoing final system checks and flight evaluations. Once cleared, the first unit will be officially delivered to the IAF – marking the beginning of large-scale induction of the improved Tejas variant.
The Tejas Mk1A is equipped with multiple upgrades over the standard Mk1 model, including a modern AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare suite, mid-air refuelling capability, and better maintainability. These enhancements significantly improve its combat readiness and operational flexibility.
The IAF had earlier signed a contract for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, and HAL plans to scale up production to meet the delivery timelines. Discussions are already underway for an additional order of nearly 100 more aircraft, which would make the Tejas Mk1A the backbone of the IAF’s light fighter fleet in the coming decade.
With older MiG-21 squadrons being phased out, the Tejas Mk1A is poised to fill the gap while reinforcing India’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
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