IAF Set To Receive First Tejas LCA Mark 1A This Month, Boosting Fighter Strength

The Indian Air Force is likely to receive the first Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A later this month. The IAF had ordered 83 LCA Mark 1 A fighters (called Tejas) and the first one is ready to be handed over in a ceremony in Nasik. A second plane could also be ready as well. A senior government official, possibly Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who may also be going to Australia with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar later this month, may be present during the handover. The IAF has ordered 83 and then, 97 LCA Mark 1A fighters and there have been delays as the engine, being procured from GE, has not arrived in sufficient quantities. But GE has said the supply chain difficulties are now over and more engines will begin to arrive soon, a senior government official said.

13 more Sukhoi-30 fighters for the IAF

The first of the Russian designed 13 Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be handed over in 2027. So far, there are no delays and the planes will be about 57 percent indigenous, keeping in mind the Centre’s aatmanirbharta policy.The IAF currently has about 260 Sukhoi aircraft and the 13 to be delivered between 2027 and 2029 will greatly improve capabilities. The IAF is down to 30 fighter squadrons (each squadron has 18-20 aircraft) and the delivery schedule of the 13, being manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), is, so far, on time. This is a Rs 13,000 crore deal signed in December 2024 and coincidentally, a dozen Sukhoi fighters have been lost in accidents. The IAF has consistently spoken of 40 squadrons and is looking for 114 fighter aircraft, either from the West or Russia. That process has just begun and their arrival will take some years. Till then, to bolster the IAF’s strength, the 180 Tejas war planes and the 13 Sukhoi fighters are necessary.

Dassault's offer to indigenously build the Rafale

The IAF already has two squadrons of the Rafale, but in case the Indian government wants more, there is a plan to make large parts of it in the country. The IAF has already stated the need for 114 fighters and one of the aircraft being considered is the Rafale. The indigenous development could be in three parts:1. Safran could make the engine in India 2. A private firm could help to build the fuselage in the country with the final assembly being done here3. Weapons like the Astra air-to-air missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation could be part of the package.