The Indian Air Force is expected to receive its first Tejas Mark 1A by 31st March, according to reports. The Mark-1A is an advanced version of its predecessor with improved agility and manoeuvrability. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) had signed a contract with the Indian Air Force for induction of 83 Tejas Mark 1A worth Rs 48,000 crore. The Defence Acquisition Council has also approved clearance of an additional 97 LCA aircraft at Rs 65,000 crore. Obviously, HAL has a heavy enough order book to sport.
Earlier, the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari had called the clearance of an additional 97 aircraft a “landmark event”. With this induction, the IAF will have more than 200 LCA aircraft, equipping almost ten squadrons of the force, he added.
The state-owned public sector unit has also had a lot of success with its indigenous helicopter production in recent years.
LCA Tejas Mark-1A Features
The aircraft is a lightweight, single-seater, delta wing, light multirole fighter jet. Its advanced capabilities allow it to target enemy aircraft with high effectiveness while minimising its own exposure. The advanced features of the Tejas Mark-1A include its modern avionics systems, and the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AWSA) radar, giving it enhanced detection and engagement capabilities. The aircraft also has an advanced targeting system, precision-guided munitions and beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities. Along with the digital flight control system, advanced communication suite and electronic warfare capabilities. The aircraft demonstrates India’s growing R&D and manufacturing capabilities.
The induction of LCA Tejas Mark-1A eases the situation brought about by the de-induction by the IAF of its MiG 21 and MiG 27 fleets.
Team Bharatshakti
