Tejas Mark 1A Fighter Jets to be Delivered to IAF by September-End, Confirms Defence Secretary RK Singh
On Saturday, Defence Secretary RK Singh revealed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is slated to receive the first two Tejas Mark 1A indigenous fighter jets by the end of September. This delivery marks a pivotal advance in India's quest for defence self-reliance, as disclosed during a discussion at the NDTV Defence Summit.
Singh stated, "The intent is to provide enough visibility to HAL to perfect this platform. About 38 are already in service, another 80-odd are being manufactured; 10 of them are ready, and two engines have been delivered so far. Hopefully, the first two of those are going to be delivered with weapons integration this September."
The introduction of the Tejas Mark 1A aims to succeed the MIG-21 as a primary aircraft for the IAF. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is tasked with integrating Indian radar and weapon systems to ensure operational compatibility with the existing Sukhoi fleet.
Emphasizing the 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector, Singh stressed that achieving self-reliance is crucial for maintaining India's strategic independence. Since 2014, the focus has been on domestic fulfilment of defence needs, with 75% of capital spending dedicated to domestic production. Additionally, foreign manufacturers are required to invest in India to qualify for defence contracts.
Discussing drones and contemporary warfare, Singh pointed out lessons learned from Operation Sindoor, highlighting the effectiveness of India’s air defence systems. He noted that while the civilian drone sector has expanded, creating military-grade drones demands significant effort. Singh remarked, "Critical technology will not be shared at a high rate. We must focus on Indian designs and development."
Reflecting on his involvement during Operation Sindoor, Singh confessed to feeling slightly anxious initially but maintained constant updates on developments and losses. He noted that the operation achieved substantial damage to enemy targets while minimizing Indian casualties, underscoring the nation’s precision and strategic readiness.
