New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to achieve a significant milestone with the induction of the first Tejas MK-1A fighter jet later this month. The ceremony, scheduled for the last week of October in Nashik, Maharashtra, is expected to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who will also review progress at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) production facility.
The Tejas MK-1A, a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, marks a major leap in India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities. Equipped with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare suites, and cutting-edge avionics, the fighter jet enhances precision, agility, and operational versatility. Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 1.8 (nearly 2,200 km/h), the aircraft will also carry the BrahMos cruise missile, significantly boosting its strike potential.
Developed to meet modern battlefield requirements, the Tejas MK-1A has been lauded as the “Arjun of the skies,” reflecting India’s growing confidence in homegrown defence technology. The aircraft combines stealth features, multirole flexibility, and superior agility, reinforcing the IAF’s operational strength.
The induction comes after delays caused by supply chain issues for the F404-IN20 engines, which slowed production. HAL now aims to deliver all 83 aircraft ordered by the IAF over the next four years. Talks for an additional 97 Tejas MK-1A jets are in advanced stages, potentially raising the fleet to 180 aircraft a critical expansion as the IAF currently operates just 29 squadrons against its sanctioned strength of 42.
The retirement of ageing MiG-21 squadrons has created an urgent need for new aircraft, with the IAF emphasizing the addition of at least two squadrons (30–40 aircraft) annually.
Alongside the Tejas programme, India’s 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project is moving forward, exploring options for a “Made-in-India” variant of the Rafale, combining imported and domestically assembled jets. Meanwhile, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) initiative, supported by a Rs 15,000 crore allocation, is progressing steadily to develop fifth-generation stealth fighters, further strengthening India’s position in global aerospace technology.
