India's Tejas 1A, Made-in-India Fighter Jet, Set to Soar Tomorrow, Rajnath Singh Likely to Attend

New

Delhi: The first Tejas 1A, the indigenously developed fighter aircraft made in the Nasik line of Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) is ready to take off. The first flight is likely to be in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tomorrow morning.The government is trying to ensure that ten aircraft are ready by the end of this financial year. The target is 10 by March 31, roughly half a squadron, critically important as the IAF is short of fighter squadrons, being down to about 30, instead of the 40 it would like.

The Tejas 1A has been delayed, primarily because GE, which is supplying the engines, has had delivery problems, but with five engines having come in, and more expected in the coming weeks, 10 aircraft may not be too ambitious. The Nasik line is strategically important — more planes are necessary and by diversifying from Bangalore, HAL will have the opportunity to deliver the required aircraft sooner than once expected.

The other issue remains weapons integration. One short-range air-to-air missile has been cleared and the other, the Astra, is also likely to be fitted after successful trials. An Astra trial is also likely in the coming days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHU2cQu-v4E

Meanwhile, Singh will also be in Lucknow very soon as a Brahmos cruise missile, so effective during the Sindoor operations against Pakistan Air Force logistics centres and airfields, will be handed over. This is the first Brahmos missile to be made in Uttar Pradesh.