India has recently sanctioned the purchase of 97 LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets, valued at approximately 620 billion rupees. This deal marks a significant stride towards strengthening the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The Indian Air Force (IAF)'s fighter jet fleet will not only expand but also incorporate modern and indigenous technology.
Current IAF Fleet Status
The Indian Air Force currently operates 31 fighter squadrons, while the requirement stands at 42. Each squadron comprises on average 18 jets, translating to approximately 558 fighter jets in IAF's possession. These include…
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Sukhoi Su-30 MKI: 265 jets (Made in India under Russian license)
MiG-21: 36 jets (Scheduled for retirement in 2025)
MiG-29: 65 jets
Mirage 2000: 44 jets
Rafale: 36 jets
Jaguar: 130 jets
Tejas Mark 1: 31 jets (2 squadrons)
However, the retirement of older MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 has reduced the number of squadrons. The last two MiG-21 squadrons (number 3 and 23) will retire by September 2025, bringing the squadron count down to 29.
Source: aajtak
Impact of 97 LCA Mark 1A
The procurement of 97 LCA Mark 1A jets will significantly enhance the IAF's Tejas fleet. Currently, IAF possesses...
40 Tejas Mark 1 jets (2 squadrons: Number 45 ‘Flying Daggers’ and Number 18 ‘Flying Bullets’)
An earlier order of 83 LCA Mark 1A (2021 deal worth 480 billion rupees).
With the new deal, adding 97 additional LCA Mark 1A jets will total 180 LCA Mark 1A and 40 Mark 1 jets, amassing 220 Tejas jets. This will constitute a substantial portion of the IAF's fleet. These jets will replace the aging MiG-21 and bridge the squadron shortfall.
LCA Mark 1A is comprised of over 65% indigenous content. It boasts advanced technologies like AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, and Astra missile. As a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet, it's capable of air-to-air as well as air-to-ground combat.
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Expansion of IAF Fleet
Following the incorporation of 97 LCA Mark 1A jets, IAF's fleet will comprise around 600-620 fighter jets, including 220 Tejas (Mark 1 and Mark 1A) alongside others (Su-30 MKI, Rafale, MiG-29, Mirage, and Jaguar), equating to 33-34 squadrons. Nonetheless, it's still below the 42-squadron target.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has promised 12 LCA Mark 1A jets by the end of 2025 and the full delivery of 83 jets by 2029. The delivery of 97 new jets will complete in ten years, by 2035.
Source: aajtak
Future Plans: Aiming for 60 Squadrons
The IAF has set an ambitious goal to expand its fleet to 60 squadrons (approximately 1,080-1,200 jets) by 2047. This target is imperative given the rising threats from two fronts—Pakistan and China. China's fleet includes over 1,900 fighter jets, with fifth-generation J-20s, while Pakistan is upgrading its JF-17 fleet.
The IAF has set an ambitious goal to expand its fleet to 60 squadrons (approximately 1,080-1,200 jets) by 2047. This target is imperative given the rising threats from two fronts—Pakistan and China. China's fleet includes over 1,900 fighter jets, with fifth-generation J-20s, while Pakistan is upgrading its JF-17 fleet.
To Achieve this Goal, IAF Plans Include:
To Achieve this Goal, IAF Plans Include:
LCA Mark 2: This is an advanced version of the Tejas, equipped with the GE F414 engine and can carry a 6,500 kg payload. IAF plans to order 120-200 LCA Mark 2 jets. The first prototype is expected to fly by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Large-scale production will commence by 2029. It will replace the MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar.
LCA Mark 2: This is an advanced version of the Tejas, equipped with the GE F414 engine and can carry a 6,500 kg payload. IAF plans to order 120-200 LCA Mark 2 jets. The first prototype is expected to fly by the end of 2025 or early 2026. Large-scale production will commence by 2029. It will replace the MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar.
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Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): India's fifth-generation stealth fighter, planned for inclusion by 2035. IAF intends to acquire 200 AMCA jets (Mark 1 and Mark 2) for air superiority and deep strikes. Featuring stealth, supercruise, and enhanced sensors.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): India's fifth-generation stealth fighter, planned for inclusion by 2035. IAF intends to acquire 200 AMCA jets (Mark 1 and Mark 2) for air superiority and deep strikes. Featuring stealth, supercruise, and enhanced sensors.
Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA): IAF plans to purchase 114 new fighter jets, considering options like Rafale, F-15EX, F/A-18 Super Hornet, Typhoon, and Su-35. This deal is intended to quickly address squadron shortages.
Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA): IAF plans to purchase 114 new fighter jets, considering options like Rafale, F-15EX, F/A-18 Super Hornet, Typhoon, and Su-35. This deal is intended to quickly address squadron shortages.
Source: aajtak
Su-30 MKI Upgrade:
IAF will upgrade its 260 Su-30 MKI jets, integrating indigenous Uttam AESA radar, digital cockpit, and a new mission computer, featuring 78% indigenous content.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):
By 2030, IAF plans to acquire 30-50 drones (small, medium, and large), such as DRDO's Ghatak and ALFA-S swarm drones, geared toward network-centric warfare.
Challenges and Solutions
Production Delays:
Delays in Tejas Mark 1A delivery stem from interruptions in GE F404 engine supply. The first jet is expected by March 2025. HAL promises 12 jets in 2025.
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Indigenous Engine:
Currently, Tejas relies on the American GE F404 engine. India's Kaveri engine project is underway but hasn't matured yet. HAL and GE will now co-produce the F414 engine in India.
Private Sector Involvement:
The government has formed a committee to involve the private sector in Tejas and AMCA production plans. This will expedite production and lower costs.
Source: aajtak
Impact of Make in India
The deal for 97 LCA Mark 1A will significantly boost the Make in India campaign. These jets have 65% indigenous content. By Mark 2, this will rise to 70%. It will generate employment for small and medium enterprises and drive India toward aerospace self-sufficiency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew in the Tejas trainer variant and praised it, bolstering confidence in indigenous technology.
