SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to bridge a potential production gap between the Tejas Mk1A and MkII fighter jets. With extended production of the Mk1A due to additional orders, and a desire for faster delivery of the more advanced MkII, the IAF has instructed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to explore involving the private sector in Tejas MkII production.
The HAL’s initial plan envisioned three Tejas Mk1A production lines, capable of delivering up to 24 jets annually. However, recent plans for an additional 97 Mk1A jets have extended the production timeline to 2031-32. This creates a potential two-year delay before HAL can fully switch to MkII production, which was initially slated to begin in 2029.
HAL aims for limited MkII production starting in 2029, but full-scale production wouldn’t be achieved until mid-2035 due to existing facility constraints. This delay doesn’t align with the IAF’s desire for faster deliveries.
To address this need, the IAF is open to a private company setting up a production line for 5 Tejas MkII jets annually. This would expedite deliveries before HAL scales up production. The potential order of 120 MkII jets, with plans for an additional 80-90 jets, is seen as a strong incentive for private sector participation. The IAF estimates that 40 jets could be outsourced, a significant opportunity for any participating company.
Discussions are underway with three companies that have previously expressed interest in the AMCA program, another indigenous fighter jet project. These companies are being explored for their potential involvement in running a small Tejas MkII production line alongside their future AMCA work.
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