Tejas Mk1A Ready for Historic First Flight

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to reach a significant milestone with the imminent first flight of the upgraded Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. The first aircraft, LA-5033, has been conducting low and high-speed taxi trials at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities, signaling its readiness for takeoff within the next 48 hours.

A marked evolution from the earlier Mk1 variant, the Tejas Mk1A boasts a suite of enhancements. The IAF placed an initial order for these jets in 2021, with a larger order for 97 additional aircraft anticipated later this year.

LA-5033, as the vanguard of the Tejas Mk1A program, carries special significance. Together with LA-5034, the second Mk1A fighter, these aircraft will spearhead the formation of the IAF's third dedicated LCA Tejas Squadron.

This squadron is planned to be strategically positioned at a forward airbase in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, near India's western border with Pakistan, by mid-2024.

The Tejas Mk1A's introduction represents a watershed moment for India's pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This indigenously developed advanced fighter jet will amplify the IAF's capabilities and exemplify India's growing technological achievements on the world stage.

 

[beencensured]

The plane might fly after so many bureaucratic delays.

 

[Frank]

Turkey is flying KAAN meanwhile HAL is advertising a 4th gen Tejas mk1A while delaying it for years..

absolute shamelessness...

 

[sanket]

Turkey is flying KAAN meanwhile HAL is advertising a 4th gen Tejas mk1A while delaying it for years..

absolute shamelessness...

its prototype Not production Ready Fighter Jet. Lots of Tech has to develop and has to pass. it will also have same Block 2 or Block 3 version.

 

[sanket]

Very Good Moment for India Aero-sector a stepping stone for Stealth Fight & Naval TEDBF and Long way to Go...A Journey of Thousands Miles start with Single step Tejas MK1A is First Step way to Go..

 

[Deepak Hegde]

The plane might fly after so many bureaucratic delays.

Good observation-"might fly" !!

 

[Nishant]

Turkey is flying KAAN meanwhile HAL is advertising a 4th gen Tejas mk1A while delaying it for years..

absolute shamelessness...

No doubt, we are a bit delayed but, we also didn't have the luxury of western technology, which was easily available to turkey.

 

[Pink Panther]

The plane might fly after so many bureaucratic delays.

Let's see how long it takes for and actual production and then induction.

 

[yogesh]

Reference the article, what a great piece of news today. Despite the critics, HAL & the scientific community have chugged along nicely. The country is now looking ahead to build squadron strength and also get the AMCA flying as soon as possible.

Soon we will say we have 5th generation fighter jets in the blue sky

 

[vinod nair]

Bharat is not built in a day

 

[Sudha]

"Testament to India's aeronautical prowess"? We have only deisgned (as different from making all the parts like engines, ejection seats, chips.....all imported) & screw driven, that too a light fighter with short range & limited payload after 75 years of independence. There are other categories of planes like MWF, heavy fighter, transports, bombers, 5th gen planes, mammoth civilian planes for airlines.......which we haven't even started yet. Still a long way to go for "testament to India's aeronautical prowess". Till we produce all the critical parts within Bharat, there is nothing much to celebrate about. Though it is indeed a start on that journey. God bless Bharat.

 

[Sudha]

& Dont forget which party stood solidly in support of "atmanirbhar Bharat" even when IAF egged for import maal. One has to be thankful for them also since they didnt cave in to IAF pressures for imports. We need these same administrators to carry forward this ambitious task instead of going the easy way & pocketing the commission money. Vote wisely.

 

[avinash]

"Testament to India's aeronautical prowess"? We have only deisgned (as different from making all the parts like engines, ejection seats, chips.....all imported) & screw driven, that too a light fighter with short range & limited payload after 75 years of independence. There are other categories of planes like MWF, heavy fighter, transports, bombers, 5th gen planes, mammoth civilian planes for airlines.......which we haven't even started yet. Still a long way to go for "testament to India's aeronautical prowess". Till we produce all the critical parts within Bharat, there is nothing much to celebrate about. Though it is indeed a start on that journey. God bless Bharat.

Except USA and Russia, tell which country produces ALL components of fighter jets locally? Its a start and we as Indian should appreciate our scientists and engineers.

 

[nakul1307]

"Testament to India's aeronautical prowess"? We have only deisgned (as different from making all the parts like engines, ejection seats, chips.....all imported) & screw driven, that too a light fighter with short range & limited payload after 75 years of independence. There are other categories of planes like MWF, heavy fighter, transports, bombers, 5th gen planes, mammoth civilian planes for airlines.......which we haven't even started yet. Still a long way to go for "testament to India's aeronautical prowess". Till we produce all the critical parts within Bharat, there is nothing much to celebrate about. Though it is indeed a start on that journey. God bless Bharat.

USA imported all German scientists during and after WW2. They did all the innovation. So no need for a high stance.

 

[Anurag]

It's good to see as Tejas Mk1a is ready for induction while 3 trainer is almost ready to deliver while 4th one is also in final stage so maybe 4(while 2 delivered earlier) trainer will be inducted this year of total 18... It's overall good as people don't except these things with hal that they will deliver on time!!

 

[NSR]

Om Ganesha,
Om Vinayaka,

Your Devotee prays/beseeches to you to Bless them all for a successful flight and long service.

Get going, we are all eagerly awaiting for the moment.