Even as the Indian Air Force's long wait for the single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft Tejas Mark-1A continues, there are indications that the fast-depleting fighter fleet of the IAF will be rejuvenated with the induction of five Tejas fighter jets after April.
As the US-based aerospace and defense company General Electric assured that the supply of F-404 jet engines will happen in March, Tejas maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will fit them onto the three Tejas Mark-1A jets that are “ready in the flight line.”
According to a Times of India report, HAL will have five Tejas Mark-1A jets and four trainers ready by March-April.
"If the GE engines begin coming, fitmets can be done in a few days," TOI quoted a top defence source as saying.
ALSO READ: LCA Tejas MkII fighter jets latest news: IAF likely to form in-house team for upgrades
The report suggested that if the supply of engines happens on time, HAL can scale up production of the fighter jets to 20 per year.
“The first Tejas Mark-1A should roll out of the Nashik line a month or two. HAL is also sub-contracting private companies to build wings, fuselages and the like. If they deliver, Tejas production can even go up to 30 per year," TOI quoted the source as saying.
The Tejas aircraft is a potent platform for air combat and offensive air support missions while reconnaissance and anti-ship operations are its secondary roles.
