SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace and defense manufacturing company, has achieved a significant milestone in its commitment to bolster the Indian Air Force (IAF) with indigenous fighter jets. HAL has successfully completed the manufacturing of nine Tejas Mk1 Trainer aircraft, part of an 18-aircraft order placed by the IAF, which includes 10 units ordered in 2021 and eight earlier. This development marks a crucial step in the modernization of the IAF’s training fleet, providing pilots with state-of-the-art platforms to prepare for operational duties.
Additionally, HAL is progressing with the production of the remaining aircraft, with the 11th and 12th Tejas Mk1 Trainers already on the assembly jig and nearing rollout, while plans are in place to complete the remaining seven trainers by the end of 2024.
The Tejas Mk1 Trainer is a two-seat variant of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), designed specifically for pilot training while retaining full combat capabilities. The aircraft is part of the broader Tejas Mk1 program, which aims to replace the IAF’s ageing fleet of MiG-21 trainers and provide a modern, cost-effective platform for both training and light combat roles. The IAF’s order for 18 trainers reflects its confidence in HAL’s ability to deliver high-quality aircraft that meet stringent operational requirements.
HAL’s completion of nine Tejas Mk1 Trainers demonstrates the company’s growing expertise in aerospace manufacturing and its commitment to the “Make in India” initiative. The trainers incorporate several improvements over the earlier Tejas Mk1 variant, including an advanced avionics suite, improved maintainability, and enhanced situational awareness systems, making them ideal for preparing pilots for the rigors of modern aerial warfare.
According to HAL, the 11th and 12th Tejas Mk1 Trainers are currently on the assembly jig, with production progressing steadily. These aircraft are expected to be rolled out in the coming months, following the completion of final assembly and integration processes. HAL has also outlined an ambitious timeline to manufacture the remaining seven trainers by the end of 2024, with production slated to ramp up post-mid-year.
However, HAL has faced challenges in the production process, particularly with respect to engine supply. The Tejas Mk1A is powered by the General Electric (GE) F404-IN20 engine, a proven turbofan engine that provides the aircraft with the necessary thrust and reliability. While HAL placed an order for these engines with GE in 2021, delays in delivery have prompted the company to use reserved F404 engines for basic flight trials of the completed trainers. These trials are critical for validating the aircraft’s airworthiness and ensuring that they meet the IAF’s operational standards before formal induction.
The Tejas Mk1 Trainer plays a vital role in the IAF’s training ecosystem. Unlike dedicated trainers, the two-seat configuration of the Tejas Mk1A allows it to serve dual purposes: training new pilots and providing operational support in combat scenarios if needed. Equipped with the same advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and weapons capabilities as the single-seat variant, the trainer can seamlessly transition to a light fighter role, offering flexibility to the IAF.
The induction of these trainers comes at a critical juncture for the IAF, which is grappling with a shortage of modern training aircraft. The ageing fleet of Hawk trainers and Kiran jets, while still operational, lacks the advanced systems and performance characteristics needed to prepare pilots for fourth-generation fighters like the Tejas Mk1A and beyond. The Tejas Mk1 Trainer bridges this gap, providing a platform that mirrors the operational aircraft in terms of avionics, handling, and combat systems, ensuring a smoother transition for pilots moving to frontline squadrons.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.