SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to make a significant stride with the deployment of its first Tejas Mk1A squadron later this year. This indigenous fighter jet is set to be stationed at Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner, Rajasthan, placing it strategically close to the Pakistan border by the end of 2024.
The initial plan involved upgrading existing Tejas Mk1 squadrons (45 Squadron and 18 Squadron) stationed at Sulur, Tamil Nadu. However, the IAF’s recent decision to procure an additional 97 Tejas Mk1A jets, surpassing the original 73 ordered in 2021, has shifted priorities. Upgrading older Mk1s might not be as carried out anymore said people familiar with the development to idrw.org.
Several factors contribute to the IAF’s preference for the Mk1A variant. These jets are equipped with AESA Radar and a host of improvements in their Avionics along with that they come with advanced Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs) like Astra and Derby, significantly bolstering their offensive capabilities. Additionally, the Mk1A boasts subtle yet crucial airframe design changes and upgrades that would be challenging to replicate on older Mk1 models.
While the IAF established the first Tejas Mk1 squadron in 2016, its deployments have primarily focused on developing advanced combat training and tactics for future Mk1A pilots. While this Squadron saw short forward duration these deployments haven’t involved permanent forward airbase placements for both Squadrons.
With the Mk1A taking centre stage, the IAF reportedly plans to transition older Mk1 jets to the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). This elite unit trains the top 1% of IAF fighter pilots in aerial combat. As MiG-21s are gradually retired also from TACDE, some Mk1s might be given to the TACDE and others might be repurposed for other roles within the IAF like an EW platform as per recent speculations that are yet to be confirmed since deliberation are still happening.
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