India has recently approved the purchase of 97 LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets, which costs around Rs 62,000 crore. This deal is a big step towards strengthening the initiative of Make in India and self -reliant India. This will not only make the fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet, but will also be equipped with modern and indigenous technology.
Currently Indian Air Force fleet
The Indian Air Force currently has 31 fighter squadrons, while the need is 42 squadron. Each squadron consists of an average of 18 jets, ie overall IAF has about 558 fighter jets. These include …
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- Sukhoi su-30 mki: 265 jets (built in India, licensed from Russia)
- MiG-21: 36 jets (retiring in 2025)
- MiG-29: 65 jets
- Mirage 2000: 44 jets
- Rafael: 36 jets
- Jaguar: 130 jets
- Tejas Mark 1: 31 jets (2 squadrons)
However, the retiring of Old MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 has reduced the number of squadron. The last two MiG-21 squadron (number 3 and 23) will retire in September 2025, which will reduce the number of squadron to 29.
Effect of 97 LCA Mark 1A
With the purchase of 97 LCA Mark 1A jets, the Tejas fleet of IAF will be quite strong. Currently near IAF …
- 40 Tejas Mark is 1 jets (2 squadron: number 45 ‘Flying Daggers’ and Number 18 ‘Flying Bullets’)
- The order of 83 LCA Mark 1A has already been given (in 2021, a deal of Rs 48000 crore).
With the new deal, 97 and LCA Mark 1A jets connected will be a total of 180 LCA Mark 1A and 40 Mark 1 Jets, ie 220 Tejas Jets. This will be a large part of the IAF fleet. These jets will replace the old MiG-21 and will help in completing squadron deficiency.
LCA Mark 1A has more than 65% indigenous material. It is equipped with techniques such as advanced AESA radar, electronic warfare suite and weapon missile. It is a 4.5 generation multirol fighter jet, capable of attacking air from air and air to ground.
How big will the IAF fleet be?
After the 97 LCA Mark 1A joins, IAF fleet will be about 600-620 fighter jets, including 220 Tejas (Mark 1 and Mark 1A) as well as other jets (SU-30 MKI, Rafael, MiG-29, Mirage, and Jaguar). This will be equal to 33-34 squadron. However, it is still less than the target of 42 squadron.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has promised 12 LCA Mark 1A jets by the end of 2025 and 83 jets by 2029. The delivery of 97 new jets will be completed in 10 years, ie by 2035.
Future plans: 60 squadron target
IAF has set an ambitious target to increase its fleet to 60 squadron (about 1,080–1,200 jets) by 2047. This goal is necessary in view of the increasing threats from India’s two fronts – Pakistan and China. China has over 1,900 fighter jets, including the fifth generation J-20, while Pakistan is upgrading its JF-17 fleet.
IAF plans to achieve this goal …
LCA Mark 2: This is an advanced version of Tejas, which will be equipped with the GE F414 engine and can carry 6,500 kg of payload. IAF plans to order 120-200 LCA Mark 2 jets. Its first prototype will fly in the end of 2025 or early 2026. Massive production will start from 2029. It will replace MiG-29, Mirage 2000 and Jaguar.
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Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): It will be the fifth generation stealth fighter of India, which is planned to include by 2035. The IAF wants to buy 200 AMCA Jets (Mark 1 and Mark 2), which will be for superiority and deep attacks in the air. It will have stealth, supercruze and advanced sensors.
Multi-Roll Fighter Aircraft (MRFA): IAF 114 is planning to buy new fighter jets, which have options like Rafael, F-15EX, F/A-A-18 Super Hornet, Typhoon and SU-35. This deal is to meet squadron deficiency quickly.
Su-30 mki upgrade: IAF will upgrade its 260 SU-30 MKI jets, which will include indigenous Uttam AESA radar, digital cockpit and new mission computer. It will have 78% indigenous material.
Unmanned Aircraft (UAV): IAF will buy 30–50 drones (small, medium, and large) by 2030, such as DRDO fatal and Alfa-S self-discovery, which will be for network-centric wars.
Challenges and solutions
Delay in production: The delivery of Tejas Mark 1A was delayed, as the GE F404 engine supply was interrupted. The first jet is expected to be found by March 2025. HAL will give 12 jets in 2025.
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Indigenous engine: Tejas is currently dependent on the American Ge F404 engine. India’s Cauvery engine project is running, but is not mature yet. HAL and Ge will now co-produce the F414 engine in India.
Private Sector Participation: The government has formed a committee, which is planning to include the private sector in the production of Tejas and AMCA. This will speed up production and reduce the cost.
Impact of Make in India
The 97 LCA Mark 1A deal will promote Make in India. These jets have 65% indigenous material. It will be up to 70% in Mark 2. It will provide employment to small and medium enterprises and will make India self -sufficient in aerospace.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew and praised it in Tejas’ trainer variants, which increased trust in indigenous technology.
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