‘Hungry mouths are ready, waiting for the food now’: IAF chief ahead of Tejas delivery

While addressing a press conference on Friday, Indian Air Force Chief AP Singh said that his team is excited about the induction of Tejas Mark 1 A. It is pertinent to note that the IAF had placed the orders for 83 LCA Mark 1 A fighters, also known as Tejas.

The IAF had placed two orders, first for 83 jets and then for 97 LCA Mark 1A fighters, but there have been delays because the engine, which has been procured from GE, did not arrive in good quantities. When asked about the induction of the aircraft, the IAF chief said that there needs to be more R&D work before it is formally inducted.

“As far as Tejas Mk1A is concerned, our expectations are based on what QRs we have given them earlier, which was set a few years back, and our expectations remain exactly the same. We expect the aircraft to be able to achieve those parameters that are set in those documents,” the IAF chief said in the Friday presser.

“We are very excited to have this aircraft with us as early as possible. I believe the engine flow has started, and some promises are being made. Some more r&d work, which is still pending. That work is still going on, as soon as they can certify the aircraft against set standards, we are ready to welcome it,” he added.

It is pertinent to note that the Tejas Mk-1A has already completed weapons integration trials, including the firing of Astra and ASRAM missiles. Apart from this, the more advanced LCA Mk2 is scheduled for rollout in 2027, while 83 Mk-1A fighters are now expected by 2029, after a reported delay of four quarters.