Indian Air Force Seals Historic Deals for Tejas and Sukhoi Jets

Indian Air Force Seals Historic Deals for Tejas and Sukhoi Jets

VoM News Desk | October 3, 2023 | 09:10 PM IST | Security, World | Follow on Google News

Indian Air Force Seals Historic Deals for Tejas and Sukhoi Jets

Indian Air Force Seals Historic Deals for Tejas and Sukhoi Jets

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is on the brink of finalizing a monumental deal worth Rs 1.15 lakh crore, aimed at procuring an additional fleet of 97 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft, while simultaneously upgrading 84 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets at an approximate cost of Rs 60,000 crore. This announcement comes directly from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. In February 2021, the defense ministry had already inked a substantial Rs 48,000-crore deal with the state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for the acquisition of 83 Tejas MK-1A jets for the IAF. Now, with the inclusion of 97 more Tejas Mark-1A jets, the IAF’s fleet of indigenously-developed aircraft will soar to a grand total of 180.

Expanding the Fleet: 97 Tejas Mark-1A Aircraft and Sukhoi-30MKI Upgrades

Addressing a press conference in anticipation of the Air Force Day on October 8, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari also revealed plans to upgrade 84 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, allocating a budget of just over Rs 60,000 crore for this endeavor.

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The Future of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) and LCA-Mark-1As

In addition to these remarkable developments, the defense ministry is actively considering a contract with HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) in the coming year for the procurement of 156 light combat helicopters (LCH), with 66 designated for the IAF. Currently, the IAF operates a modest fleet of 10 light combat helicopters. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari stated, “The contract will be signed with HAL for an additional 97 LCA Mark-1As. The HAL may decide to increase the number of production lines in partnership with the Indian private industry… That is yet to be decided.” Furthermore, the Chief of Air Staff emphasized that the procurement of LCA-Mark-1A jets is independent of the future Tejas Mark-2 Light Combat Aircraft production, expected to have its maiden flight by 2025.

Tejas, a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft, is renowned for its ability to operate in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to excel in air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari also divulged that the IAF is in the final stages of procuring Akash weapon systems, medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) systems, and the ‘Pralay’ missile system, among other cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, he underscored the significance of the space domain, highlighting its essential role in national security.

“A strong, self-reliant, and credible aerospace force would definitely be an essential step towards achieving the first of the Five Prans (Panch Pranas) of Amritkaal that is ‘to become a developed country’,” the IAF Chief added.

VoM News Desk

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