All single-seat Tejas Mark 1 delivered

25 Aug 2023 CW Team

During a high-level Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program review, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, was informed that all contracted single-seat variants of the LCA Mark 1 had been supplied to the IAF. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) representatives confirmed that contracted twin-seaters would be delivered in the upcoming months, completing the delivery of 40 Tejas Mark 1 fighters, equivalent to two squadrons.

Furthermore, in 2021, the IAF contracted HAL for 83 Tejas Mark-1A fighters, with deliveries set to begin by February 2024. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari praised HAL's efforts, suggesting that a squadron of Tejas Mark 1A fighters might be inducted into an operational base early next year.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted the Tejas program's role in advancing indigenous aircraft and symbolising India's aerospace self-reliance. The Tejas also successfully test-fired the indigenous Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missile, enhancing its combat capabilities and reducing dependence on imported weaponry.

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