The initial Tejas Mk1 A is scheduled to be handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of October, marking a significant step in addressing the IAF's fighter aircraft requirements. According to sources within the defense sector, adjustments to the Israeli software utilized in the Tejas have been finalized, with final testing currently underway.
The inaugural Tejas will come equipped with Category B engines. Category B signifies reserve engines that may have been previously utilized or were unused after an earlier arrangement with American aircraft engine manufacturer General Electric (GE) for the Tejas series. According to news, freshly manufactured General Electric F404-IN20 engines will begin arriving from November onwards, following a revised timeline provided by the engine manufacturer subsequent to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh raising concerns about delays during his recent visit to Washington. Originally, the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was scheduled to commence the delivery of the new aircraft in March, in accordance with a contract signed with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in February 2021. However, the inaugural flight of the aircraft occurred in March, necessitating further testing before transfer to the IAF.
It is previously noted a projected delay of at least four months in delivery due to IAF-requested modifications and software updates. "The software adjustments have been finalized, and the initial aircraft is scheduled for handover by the end of October," a source confirmed. In 2021, concerns regarding timely delivery to the IAF were reported by ThePrint. The doubt at that moment pertained to the progression of the Tejas program spanning almost four decades. When the LCA program was initially launched in 1983, the objective was to unveil the first aircraft by 1994. The LCA prototype didn't fly until 2001, which was 18 years after the project commenced.
The Tejas received initial operational clearance in December 2013, and the IAF received the first aircraft with final clearance in 2019. This was one of the 40 units ordered by the IAF, with four units still pending delivery. Originally, the Mk1 A version was not intended to be present. The variant originated from a consensus with the IAF in 2015 during Manohar Parrikar's tenure as the defense minister. The initial strategy was to directly pursue a Tejas Mk-2, however, this would necessitate modifications to the aircraft's structure, resulting in a longer timeframe.
The IAF has chosen to proceed with the acquisition of the LCA Mk 1A model, which includes enhancements such as advanced electronic radar, warfare communication systems, additional combat capability with Beyond Visual Range Missiles, and improved maintenance features. There are plans to acquire 97 more LCA Mk 1A aircraft. In addition, the IAF recently proposed a public private partnership (PPP) model to expand production lines for the Tejas, in order to meet the need for approximately 300 variants of the indigenous fighters over the next fifteen years.
The main concern is aligning production capacity with the requirements of the force. "Our current order for 83 LCA Mk 1A will be succeeded by an additional 97 orders, which will require several years for completion," stated Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary during a press conference in Jodhpur.
He emphasized the importance of diversifying production lines and establishing public-private partnerships or joint ventures with private entities to expand both weaponry and production capabilities."