India is working to operationalise its first squadron of the indigenously developed Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft by March 2027, officials said, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to address a persistent shortfall in combat aircraft strength.
The Tejas Mk-1A represents a major advancement in India’s indigenous fighter aircraft programme. The aircraft builds upon the experience gained from the original Tejas Mk-1 variant, which became the first operational light combat aircraft inducted into the Indian Air Force.
The Mk-1A variant features an improved airframe, enhanced aerodynamic performance, increased fuel capacity, and additional hardpoints to carry a wider range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The aircraft is also equipped with upgraded avionics, including an advanced AESA radar system developed with contributions from India’s defence research and aerospace ecosystem.
The IAF currently operates a limited number of Tejas aircraft while continuing to rely on legacy fighter platforms. The service has been facing a gap between its authorised requirement of 42 fighter squadrons and its existing operational strength. The retirement of ageing aircraft and delays in future fighter acquisitions have further increased pressure on fleet modernisation efforts.
Tejas Mk-1A production is progressing at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities in Bengaluru. The aircraft has been designed to meet the operational needs of the Indian Air Force, including deployment from high-altitude airbases and challenging forward locations.
The development of the Tejas programme has helped India build expertise in advanced aerospace technologies, including composite materials, fly-by-wire flight control systems, and integrated avionics. The Mk-1A is expected to play a key role in strengthening the IAF’s indigenous fighter fleet.
The March 2027 target depends on maintaining production momentum and completing remaining testing and certification activities. Beyond the first squadron, additional Tejas Mk-1A orders are expected as part of India’s broader fighter fleet modernisation plan, alongside future programmes such as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF) and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The Tejas programme remains a cornerstone of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and reflects the country’s long-term ambition to establish a strong domestic combat aircraft manufacturing capability. Achieving consistent production rates for the Mk-1A will be critical to reducing the Indian Air Force’s fighter aircraft shortage in the coming years.
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