With major countries like Russia, Israel, and Iran at war, the situation is very critical. India has also had a military confrontation with Pakistan and is in an ongoing cold war with China.
In such a situation, India is facing defence challenges on two fronts. Therefore, New Delhi is strengthening its air defence system while simultaneously upgrading its armed forces with the latest weaponry. Keeping in mind the needs of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, the government is constantly taking crucial decisions.
China has given fifth-generation fighter jets to Pakistan, creating tension for India. It has now become necessary for New Delhi to equip Air Force with 5th-generation fighter jets so that future challenges can be tackled. As per several media reports, India can buy the US’s F-35 or Russian Su-57E fighter jets in the coming years. Some reports suggest that New Delhi can buy fifth-generation aircraft from Russia as it is better in terms of price and technology transfer conditions.
However, India is also developing indigenous fighter jets with indigenous technology. DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) are developing fifth and sixth-generation fighter jets under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project.
Another news is that HAL is going to deliver the Tejas MK1A fighter jet soon to the Indian Armed Forces.
Tejas MK1A Fighter Jet
Tejas MK1A is a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft. The Indian Air Force has signed Rs 67000 deal with HAL under which it will get 97 Tejas MK1A fighter jets.
As per reports, the flight testing of Tejas MK1A will be done in July, and after that, the jets will be given to the IAF.
Production and delivery of Tejas MK1A fighter jets are approx 16 months behind schedule due to delays in the supply of F404-IN20 engines from General Electric. These delays have prompted serious concerns from the Indian Air Force, which currently has a shortfall of 10 fighter squadrons compared to its required strength of 42. The advanced F404-IN20 engine is a key component of the Tejas MK1A, and the supply issues have raised concerns among defense experts.
Tejas MK1A is a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft that rivals the Rafale.
Tejas MK1A to Compete With Rafale
India has bought 36 Rafale fighter jets from French defence company Dassault Aviation to strengthen its air defence. The deal costed thousands of crores of rupees. Now, another deal has been made to buy an updated version of Rafale for the Navy.
Rafale fighter jet is a 4.5 generation advanced fighter aircraft. Tejas MK1A fighter jet is also a 4.5 generation aircraft and when inducted into the IAF, it will give a tough challenge to Rafale.
The Tejas MK1A is a multirole fighter jet incorporating a state-of-the-art engine and designed for compatibility with Indian missiles and weaponry, unlike the Rafale, which required extensive negotiations to accommodate the BrahMos cruise missile.
Speed Of Over 2000 Kmh
Tejas MK1A fighter jet is a supersonic aircraft, capable of attacking enemies at a speed of 1.8 Mach. Which means that Tejas MK1A jet can fly at a speed of 2222 kmph. It is capable of launching a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile. Apart from this, air-to-air and air-to-land missiles can also be fitted in the fighter jet, making Tejas even more lethal.
Notably, BVR missiles are capable of destroying even invisible targets. This means that the target which the pilot is not able to see can also be intercepted and destroyed.
Better Than F-16
HAL plans to deliver the initial twelve Tejas MK1A fighter jets by year’s end, utilising three production lines (two in Bengaluru, one in Nashik) to achieve an annual production capacity of twenty-four aircraft. The Tejas MK1A boasts superior avionics and radar systems, including an advanced AESA radar, compared to the F-16, offering enhanced resistance to jamming. This contrasts with Pakistan’s older F-16 fleet from the 1980s.