499: TEJAS: DELAYED DREAMS CAN BECOME NIGHTMARES

 

 

MISSED –   First delivery of TEJAS MK 1A was scheduled for 31 Mar 2024. HAL Postponed the delivery to Aug 2024.

 

Contract for 83 TEJAS MK1A aircraft (48,000Crore) was signed on 01 Feb 21, with commencement of delivery in 3 years. 

 

The first sortie itself was flown on 28 Mar 24, followed by time-consuming process of snag rectifications and certification. HAL is still optimistic about meeting the delivery deadline of 83 aircraft.

 

Non availability of F414 GE engines and supply chain disruptions due to Russia-Ukraine and Israel-HAMAS wars adds to the woes. In Jun 2023, HAL signed a contract with GE for production of 99 F414 engines with 80% TOT in eleven critical areas. Delay is also likely in supply of AESA radars from Israel. 

 

LCA project as replacement for Mig-21 aircraft is four decades old. So Far IAF has inducted 40 aircraft (20 in IOC and 20 in FOC configuration). Delivery of 6 trainer aircraft is pending.

 

MK1A version was not planned earlier. In 2015, it was envisaged as an interim version with 40 odd improvements over MK1, before MK2 version with structural changes could be developed. These improvements included, AESA radar, BVR capability, Aerial refuelling, better avionics, better EW suite and improved maintainability.

 

In Apr 24, MoD has issued a tender for 97 more Mk1A aircraft (40+83+97). This is to be followed by induction of MK2 (2028) and AMCA aircraft. HAL also has plans to boost its production capability from 1 line (8ac/year) to three lines (24ac/year).

 

Pakistan has already inducted JF17C Block 3 aircraft. It is also likely to inducted Chinese 5th generation aircraft.

 

China is already operating indigenously developed and produced 5th generation aircraft (J-20 and J-31). It is developing a 6th generation aircraft (by 2035).

 

IAF has always supported Atmanirbharta.  However, its drawdown of fighter aircraft strength (30 odd sqns) is cause of serious concern. While supporting self-reliance the minimum deterrence value needs to be maintained, with a balance between the quantity and quality of platforms and weapons. 

 

Keeping the threat perception in mind there is an urgent need to procure quality fighter aircraft. While case for 114 MRFA case is in the process, immediate procurement of two squadrons of Rafael is recommended (aircraft is already in operation with IAF). The further procurement plan could be reviewed depending upon the progress of indigenous projects.

 

The media is abuzz with discussions on the subject.

 

Link to Panel discussion with Shiv Aroor:-

 

 

Link to the quoted article by Ritu Sharma on Eurasian Times:-

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/pakistan-pilots-start-5th-gen-fighter-jet/

 

 

Bottom Line

Doklam and Galwan will keep happening if the minimum deterrence value is not maintained.

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome.

 

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

 

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

 

 

 

 

LCA Tejas Project

Tejas, the Indian Indigenous fighter aircraft of India has been in the news for the ongoing export talks with various countries. The Tejas has had a long developmental history, and has evolved over the years into a formidable machine.

 

Had an interesting discussion on the subject with Aadi Achint on DEF – TALKS

 

 

For selective viewing please view from indicated time tags:-

  1. Introduction (00:00).
  1. Tejas Project (Timelines, present status, future plans, Tejas Navy project, and relevant aspects of cost and challenges) (01:10 onwards).
  1. Export Prospects and related issues (20:20 onwards).
  1. Aspects related to past progress of the project and future export possibility(28:33 onwards).
  1. Lessons in this regard from Ukraine War(37:14 onwards).
  1. Necessity of entering the global market to sustain domestic defence industry and production(42:30 onwards).

 

Link to

Article on how IAF supports Self-reliance / Atmanirbharta.

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

For regular updates, please register here

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

 

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from sources deemed reliable and accurate. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for purposes of wider dissemination.

 

INDIAN AIR FORCE ALWAYS SUPPORTS ATMANIRBHARTA

(Self-Reliance, Indigenisation and Make in India)

 

Indian Air Force has always encouraged the development of indigenous defence production capability. IAF firmly believes that indigenisation reduces our dependence on foreign sources and leads to the economic growth of the nation. IAF always endeavours to achieve self-sufficiency through focussed, sustained and evolved indigenisation programmes. It is one of the key result areas of the IAF.

 

Indian Air Force has always played an important role in creating an aerospace ecosystem in India. IAF has been operating indigenously built aircraft and also aircraft built in India under licence production. This has given impetus to indigenous industry in the past.

 

Indigenised Inductions and Projects

 

Various Indigenised inductions and projects being supported by the IAF are as follows:-

 

  • Induction of LCA (IOC, FOC, Mk I and Mk 1A) and support to LCA Mk II and AMCA.
  • Induction of Ajeet and HF-24 Marut ac in the past.
  • Induction of AEW&C ac and support to indigenous AWACS project.
  • Induction of indigenous helicopter ALH and support to LCH.
  • Induction of Trainer aircraft (Kiran Mk I and Mk II, HT-2, HPT & HTT-40 aircraft).
  • Support to replacement of Avro ac through make in India route.
  • Induction and support to several indigenous radars. (Indira, Rohini, Arudhra and Long range surveillance radar)
  • Induction of surface-to-air guided weapons like Akash SRSAM system and support to MRSAM and LRSAM projects.
  • Integration and operationalization of Astra Air to Air Missile and Brahmos Air to surface missiles.
  • Support to weapons projects like New Generation Anti-tank Missile, Smart anti-airfield weapons, new generation anti-radiation missiles and Glide bombs etc.
  • Support to CIWS project through the make-in-India route.
  • Indigenous production of chaffs and flares, ammunitions and fuses for bombs.
  • Indigenous network solutions like Integrated Air Command & Control System (IACCS), logistics management system (IMMOLS) etc.

 

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