Indian Air Force Deploys Tejas Mark 1A Squadron in Rajasthan
The deployment of the Tejas Mark 1A fighter aircraft, an indigenous light combat aircraft, is scheduled for the Nal airbase near Bikaner in Rajasthan, close to the Pakistan border. The initial squadron of these aircraft is set to be stationed at the Nal airbase, strategically positioned to address potential threats from the Western adversary, according to sources.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recently got clearance to buy a total of 180 of these jets and is looking to get the first aircraft by February-March next year. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari called it a "landmark event". "We already had 40 LCAs of the original IOC (initial operational clearance) and FOC (final operational clearance) version. So with this, in the long run, the strength of the IAF will grow to 220 LCA Mark 1As, which will equip almost ten squadrons of the Air Force", he said.
He also called the 97 light combat aircraft "an ideal fit" to replace the depleting strength of the jets, given the winding down of the MiG 21 and the MiG 27 and 23 fleets in the past. "It's a very capable and potent aircraft and it gives our trust in the Indian defence industry capabilities. It shows that we firmly are committed towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and ensuring that a large number of our items on our inventory are made in India", he added.
The Tejas Mark 1A fighter aircraft is a product of indigenous design, development, and manufacturing, incorporating over 65 percent locally sourced components. The Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has also approved the Indian Air Force's Su-30 fighter aircraft upgrade program. The estimated cost for these significant procurement initiatives and the Su-30 upgrade is anticipated to be Rs 1.3 lakh crore for the government. In February 2021, the defense ministry finalized a Rs 48,000-crore agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the acquisition of 83 Tejas Mark 1A jets for the Indian Air Force.
