Today, the first Tejas Mk1A aircraft, designated LA5033, flew from the HAL facility in Bengaluru. The sortie was executed successfully, lasting for 18 minutes.
Following the contract signing in February 2021, HAL accomplished this significant production milestone with concurrent design and development despite major supply chain challenges in the global geopolitical environment, according to Mr. C. B. Ananthakrishnan, CMD, HAL.
The aircraft was under the command of Gp Capt K K Venugopal (Retd), Chief Test Pilot.
According to HAL, the Tejas Mk1A will have an advanced electronic radar, enhanced warfare and communication systems, expanded combat capability, and improved maintenance capabilities.
On January 13, 2021, the Government of India approved the purchase of 73 Tejas Mk 1A fighter aircraft and 10 LCA Tejas Mk 1 trainer aircraft for INR 480 billion (US$6.07 billion). This involved the design and development of infrastructure as well as production. HAL expects to deliver the first three aircraft in 2024, followed by 16 aircraft yearly over the next five years.
The state-owned aircraft manufacturer has already been criticized for tardy delivery of the Mk 1A to the Indian Air Force. Mk 1A is a program aimed at improving the Tejas’ combat capability based on feedback from the IAF.
