New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to receive the first two Tejas Mk1A fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) next month, defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said.
The defence minister had signed a Rs 48,000 crore contract with HAL for supply of 83 of these aircraft in February 2021. Delivery was delayed, primarily due to US defence major GE Aerospace missing several deadlines for the supply of its aero engines to power the jets.
The government has now approved the purchase of an additional batch of 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters at a cost of around Rs 67,000 crore. However, this deal will only be signed if the first two of the previous batch are delivered next month, the defence secretary said.
“I have made it clear to HAL that we will sign this contract only after HAL delivers two Tejas featuring a complete package. After that HAL will have a full order book for the next 4-5 years,” Singh said.
“Hopefully, they (HAL) will be able to perfect this platform, integrate the radar and Indian weapons, so that it becomes a workhorse for us along with the Sukhoi,” he added.
The defence secretary said that there would still remain a gap, hinting at a possible purchase of more assets for the IAF. While the single-engine Mk1As will be a replacement for the IAF’s MiG-21 fighters, the last of which will be retired on September 26, India will require more multi-role medium aircraft like the Rafales. The Sukhois fall in the heavier category of aircraft.
“There will still be a gap and for that gap we will have to look at some other options,” Singh said.
India’s ambitious fifth generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will take about 10 more years to be ready, while the Tejas Mk2 is likely to be inducted five years from now.
With its squadron strength down to 31 from the sanctioned 42, the IAF has flagged concerns over delays in the delivery of the Tejas Mark 1A jets under the previous contract.
“Hopefully, the first two of those will be delivered with weapons integration by the end of September,” the defence secretary said.
About 38 Tejas Mk1 fighter jets are now in service with the IAF According to Singh, another 80-odd Mk1A are being manufactured.
