SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Air Force Station Naliya, located in the coastal town of Naliya in Gujarat, India, is set to become a key hub for India’s indigenous fighter jet program as it prepares to host the first squadron of the advanced Tejas Mk1A.
Situated approximately 90 kilometers from the strategically sensitive Sir Creek along the Pakistan border, this airbase has already seen the deployment of the older Tejas Mk1 jets in their Final Operational Clearance (FOC) configuration. Now, it is transitioning from its legacy MiG-21Bis fleet to the cutting-edge Tejas Mk1A, marking a significant step in the IAF’s modernization journey and India’s push for self-reliance in defense.
AF Station Naliya has long been a forward operating base, historically home to the MiG-21Bis squadrons that formed a critical part of the IAF’s western frontier defenses. The MiG-21Bis, an upgraded variant of the Soviet-era supersonic fighter inducted in the 1970s, served as a backbone of India’s air combat fleet for decades. However, with the type slated for complete retirement by the end of 2025 due to obsolescence and safety concerns, the IAF has been steadily phasing out these aging jets. Naliya, once a stronghold of the MiG-21Bis, is now at the forefront of this transition.
To facilitate this shift, the IAF has deployed FOC-configured Tejas Mk1 aircraft to Naliya in recent years. These deployments have served dual purposes: building the necessary infrastructure to support modern fighter operations and laying the groundwork for the arrival of more advanced jets like the Tejas Mk1A. The Tejas Mk1, already operational with No. 18 Squadron (“Flying Bullets”) relocated to Naliya as of September 2024, has provided valuable experience in integrating indigenous aircraft into the base’s ecosystem, from maintenance hangars to pilot training protocols.
The deployment of Tejas Mk1 jets to Naliya has been a deliberate step to prepare the base for the Mk1A’s arrival. Over the past year, the IAF has upgraded facilities at Naliya, including blast-proof hangars, advanced radar systems, and maintenance bays tailored to the Tejas platform. The base’s proximity to the Pakistan border—just 40-50 kilometers by air—underscores its role in rapid response and air defense missions. The transition from MiG-21Bis to Tejas Mk1A will enhance Naliya’s operational capabilities, offering greater agility, firepower, and survivability against modern threats.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.