HAL accelerates Tejas production: American engine deal paves way for deployment on western front

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The long wait to hear the roar of the indigenous fighter aircraft 'Tejas' in the Indian Air Force fleet is now about to end. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the fourth engine for Tejas from the US company General Electric (GE), thereby removing the biggest hurdle in the production of the aircraft. With this major success, it has been decided that the first two advanced Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets will be handed over to the Indian Air Force by the month of November.

In February 2021, the government signed a deal with HAL for 83 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft worth ₹48,000 crore. However, due to delays in the delivery of American engines, the Air Force has not received a single aircraft. Now, with the engine deliveries underway, it is expected that all 83 aircraft will be inducted into the Air Force fleet by 2028.

The Tejas Mark-1A aircraft will replace the Air Force's legendary fighter, the MiG-21, which retired on September 26 after 62 years of illustrious service. The Air Force plans to deploy the first Tejas squadron at Nal Air Base in Bikaner, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border, to significantly increase India's air power on the western border.

The LCA Mark-1A is a highly advanced version of the Tejas, equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and radar systems. Over 65% of the components in these aircraft are manufactured in India. Recently, on September 25th, the Ministry of Defense awarded HAL another major contract worth ₹62,370 crore to manufacture an additional 97 Tejas. This single-engine light combat aircraft is capable of precision strikes in air, water, and land. The new aircraft will also feature advanced technology such as a "self-defense shield" to evade enemies.

This success is a big leap for the 'Make in India' campaign, which will not only enhance the strength of the Air Force but will also help India achieve new heights in the field of defence production.