LCA AF MK II, a domestically produced multi-role fighter jet with supersonic capabilities, is set to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) by 2025.
According to Vaji Rajpurohit, a staff member at Aeronautics Development Authority Agency in Bangalore, the Indian Air Force intends to acquire 324 Tejas aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This includes the LCA AF MK II, which is expected to be commissioned by 2025.
The Mark II fighter jet, with a delta-wing configuration and advanced systems like the missile approach warning system, is a versatile aircraft. It is expected to replace older models such as the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 in the next decade. Developed by the Indian Defence Laboratory, Tejas was first inducted into the IAF in the 1980s.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan: An employee of Aeronautics Development Authority Agency Bangalore, Vaji Rajpurohit, says, “By 2025, the Indian Air Force will induct the LCA AF MK II, a multirole supersonic fighter jet developed by DRDO. This advanced aircraft will eventually replace older… pic.twitter.com/I3ellWvk0j
— IANS (@ians_india) September 15, 2024
It is a single-engine, light fighter with a delta-wing design created through collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC). In 2003, it was officially named “Tejas” and its first squadron was formed in 2016. Known as the smallest and lightest fighter aircraft, there are currently three models of Tejas: Mark 1, Mark 1A, and a trainer edition.
According to him, the IAF currently houses forty Tejas Mark 1A airplanes at Sulur Air Base, and production is set to increase in the near future.
Furthermore, the IAF intends to add the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) to its arsenal, anticipated to have a prototype by 2028. According to Vaji Rajpurohit, the AMCA is a state-of-the-art 5.5-generation plane, outfitted with General Electric 414 single and double engines. Upon deployment, the IAF will join other influential countries such as China, Russia, and the USA.
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