SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced that it is poised to deliver three Tejas Mk1A fighters and four Tejas Mk1 Trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as soon as the much-awaited GE F-404 engines arrive. The delivery of these engines is expected to commence in the next few days, marking a significant advancement in the Tejas program after a period of delays.
According to sources at idrw.org, HAL’s production line has been active, with three more Tejas Mk1A and five additional Mk1 Trainer aircraft currently in the fabrication stage. The readiness of these aircraft for delivery has been confirmed by HAL officials, who stated that the aircraft have either completed initial flight trials using older, reserved engines or are in the process of undergoing further tests.
The delivery of the Tejas Mk1A and Trainers has been on hold due to supply chain issues with the F-404 engines from General Electric (GE), which are vital for the operation of these aircraft. Despite this setback, HAL has continued its production efforts, ensuring that the aircraft are ready to be powered up and delivered once the engines arrive.
An HAL official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that with the arrival of the first two F-404 engines scheduled for March, HAL plans to fit them onto the first two Tejas Mk1A aircraft. The official expressed confidence that these aircraft could be delivered to the IAF by the end of April, provided there are no further delays in engine supply.
“The delay in engine deliveries has been the primary bottleneck, but we have used this time to refine our production processes and ensure quality. With the engines in sight, we are now just days away from seeing these aircraft join the IAF’s fleet,” the official said.
The Tejas Mk1A variant introduces several improvements over the original Mk1, including enhanced avionics, better radar systems, and increased weapon capability, making it a crucial asset for the IAF’s modernization efforts. Similarly, the Tejas Mk1 Trainers are vital for pilot training, ensuring that the IAF can effectively utilize the combat variants.
This development comes at a time when the IAF is keen on bolstering its squadron strength, with the Tejas playing a pivotal role in replacing older aircraft. The anticipated delivery of these aircraft will not only enhance the operational readiness of the force but also signify a step forward in India’s defense self-reliance initiative.
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