SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reactivated its Air Force Station at Sulur, Tamil Nadu, to serve as the new home for the prestigious No. 3 ‘Cobras’ Squadron, which will become the first unit to operate the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. The squadron, currently equipped with the aging MiG-21 Bison, is set to transition to the modern Tejas Mk1A, with deliveries scheduled to commence in August 2025 from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
According to HAL, 12 Tejas Mk1A aircraft are slated for delivery to the No. 3 Squadron by the end of March 2026. The production process is well underway, with nine Tejas Mk1A airframes already manufactured, awaiting the integration of GE-F404 engines. These engines are expected to arrive at a rate of two per month starting next month, with HAL set to receive 13 brand-new F404 engines by December 2025. This timeline will enable the formal induction of the Tejas Mk1A into the squadron, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The No. 3 ‘Cobras’ Squadron’s transition to the Tejas Mk1A at Sulur is a temporary arrangement, as the unit is planned to relocate to the NAL Air Base near the Pakistan border in the future. This strategic move underscores the IAF’s intent to bolster its operational capabilities in sensitive regions with advanced, homegrown technology.
The Tejas Mk1A, an upgraded variant of the Light Combat Aircraft, features enhanced avionics, improved radar, and better electronic warfare systems, making it a potent platform for modern aerial combat. The reactivation of Sulur Air Force Station and the induction of the Tejas Mk1A into the ‘Cobras’ Squadron signal a new chapter for the IAF, as it phases out legacy aircraft like the MiG-21 and strengthens its frontline with indigenous fighters.
This development is a testament to the growing synergy between the IAF and HAL, as India accelerates its defense modernization efforts. The successful induction of the Tejas Mk1A will not only enhance the IAF’s combat readiness but also reinforce the nation’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
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