IAF Vice Chief outlines Tejas Mk1A, AMCA roadmap for fighter fleet modernization

NEW DELHI — The Indian Air Force (IAF) is accelerating the induction of its indigenous fighter platforms, with the service’s vice chief confirming that the Tejas Mk1A and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are central to the next phase of fleet modernization. Air Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, the IAF’s vice chief of the air staff, provided these updates during a recent briefing, emphasizing the strategic necessity of reducing dependence on foreign platforms while maintaining operational readiness against evolving regional threats.

Tejas Mk1A: Scaling up production

The Tejas Mk1A, a single-engine, multi-role light combat aircraft developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is currently undergoing final flight trials. The IAF has placed orders for 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, with the first batch expected to enter service in the coming fiscal year. Bhadauria noted that the Mk1A variant features significant upgrades over the Mk1, including a more powerful GE F414 engine, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and enhanced avionics. These upgrades allow the aircraft to carry a wider array of precision-guided munitions, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, thereby extending its strike range and lethality.

Production of the Tejas Mk1A is being scaled up at HAL’s facilities in Bengaluru and Nasik. The service aims to induct 12 aircraft per year initially, with the rate increasing to 24 per year once the production line reaches full capacity. This phased induction is designed to replace aging MiG-21 and MiG-27 squadrons, which are being phased out due to maintenance challenges and the unavailability of spare parts.

AMCA: The fifth-generation imperative

While the Tejas Mk1A addresses immediate operational needs, the AMCA represents the IAF’s long-term strategic goal. The AMCA is a fifth-generation fighter jet designed to feature stealth capabilities, supercruise, and advanced sensor fusion. Bhadauria stated that the AMCA programme is progressing according to schedule, with the first prototype expected to make its maiden flight by 2028. The aircraft is being developed by DRDO in collaboration with HAL, with the goal of achieving operational readiness by 2035.

The development of the AMCA is a critical component of India’s indigenous defence strategy. The fifth-generation capabilities are seen as essential to counter the advanced air forces of neighboring countries, which are also investing in next-generation platforms. The IAF has allocated significant resources to the AMCA programme, including the development of indigenous engines and avionics, to ensure supply chain security and reduce vulnerability to export controls.

Operational integration and training

As new platforms are inducted, the IAF is also focusing on operational integration and pilot training. The service has established dedicated training units for the Tejas Mk1A and is working with HAL to develop comprehensive maintenance and support systems. Bhadauria emphasized that the transition to new platforms requires a parallel upgrade in ground support infrastructure, including hangars, fueling systems, and data links.

The IAF is also preparing for the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions into its fighter squadrons. This multi-domain approach is designed to enhance situational awareness and extend the reach of the service’s strike capabilities. The integration of these systems will require significant changes in tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), which are currently being developed in collaboration with the Indian Army and Navy.

Strategic context

The modernization of the IAF’s fighter fleet is taking place against a backdrop of increasing regional tensions and the rapid advancement of air power in the Indo-Pacific region. The induction of the Tejas Mk1A and the development of the AMCA are seen as critical to maintaining India’s air superiority and deterrence posture. The service’s focus on indigenous platforms is also aligned with the government’s broader goal of achieving self-reliance in defence (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

Bhadauria concluded by stating that the IAF is committed to delivering a modern, technologically advanced, and operationally capable fighter fleet. The next few years will be crucial in achieving this goal, with the successful induction of the Tejas Mk1A and the progress of the AMCA programme serving as key benchmarks for the service’s modernization efforts.