Revamped Tejas Mk 1A ready for takeoff: First batch of 16 to serve IAF

Embark on the first leg of a four-part journey as the Tejas fighter undergoes an evolution. With the defence ministry's order for Tejas Mark 1 fighters nearly fulfilled, attention turns to the final touches needed to meet Tejas Mark 1A specifications

-  AJAI SHUKLA

With the first Tejas Mark 1A fighter having successfully test-flown in March, HAL's chief says the first delivery will be completed "in the next few months". Thereafter, the production of 180 Tejas Mark 1A ཟམ་ fighters and successive variants will generate the bulk of HAL's income for the foreseeable future.

"That is our priority. The build of the aircraft has started, and we will ensure that 16 Tejas Mark 1A aircraft are delivered in this financial year, i.e., before March 31, 2025," says HAL Chairman and Managing Director CB Ananthakrishnan.

Business Standard was granted an exclusive visit to HAL, the country's biggest defence public sector undertaking.

HAL has almost completed the delivery of its first two IAF orders of 40 Tejas Mark 1 fighters. Nine Mark 1s were left to be delivered this year, of which five twin-seat trainers have been delivered, and the remaining four will follow, says Ananthakrishnan.