Page 34 - ADT MAY / JULY 2024 Digital Magazine | GBP

requirement for seven squadrons a compound delta wing with close has already been integrated on the
of the indigenous type which will coupled canard wings. It is being IAF’s SU-30 MKI aircraft for the
have an internal weapons bay. developed to replace the IAF’s MiG- airborne strike role.
The AMCA is being designed as a 29, Mirage 2000 and Jaguar fighter
replacement for the IAF’s SU-30 aircraft around mid 2030. A new Problem of Plenty
MKI fleet. The twin-engine AMCA is higher thrust GE F414 INS-6 engine
being designed to achieve a max- will power the IAF Tejas Mk2. In its quest to turn away from costly
imum speed of Mach 1.8 and is imports, the IAF is now heavily
planned to be fitted with an indige- The maiden flight of the Tejas Mk2 dependent on HAL to meet its future
nously developed Active Electronic was originally planned to take requirements. HAL manufactured
Scanning Array (AESA) radar. place in 2023, with the aircraft platforms such as Tejas Mk-1A, LCA
to have completed all certifica- Mk2, AMCA, Twin-Engine Deck
The indigenously developed Tejas tion requirements by 2025. The Based Fighter (TEDBF), Advanced
Mk-1 fighter celebrates eight years aircraft features a new fuselage Light Helicopter (ALH) ‘Dhruv’,
in operational service this year. The and is likely to enter service with Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
air force has ordered Tejas fighters an indigenously developed AESA ‘Prachand’, Light Utility Helicopter
in four Tranches: Tranche I – 20 radar. The Tejas Mk2 will be cleared (LUH), HTT-40 and upcoming
Mk-1 aircraft March 2006, Tranche almost all new generation weapons platforms in the Indian Multi-Role
II – 20 Mk-1 aircraft December in the IAF inventory. In addition Helicopter (IMRH) and recently
2010, Tranche III - 83 Mk-1A aircraft to the distinctive high mounted unveiled Hindustan Lead-In Fighter
February 2021 and Tranche IV – 97 close coupled canard wings, the Trainer (HLFT-42) concept will all
Mk-1A aircraft November 2023. The Tejas Mk2 will feature an Infra- be critical to the IAF’s future combat
state-owned airframer Hindustan Red Search and Track (IRST), capability.
Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has Missile Approach Warning System
stated that it will deliver the first (MAWS), upgraded digital flight The airframer has already stated
three Tejas Mk-1A aircraft this year control computer, on-board oxygen that it will manufacture the Tejas
with the final aircraft delivered in generating system, active electron- Mk-1A on three production lines
2029. As per the IAF’s original ically scanned array (AESA) radar, and has also invested in a brand-
plans, it was slated to induct two smart cockpit with larger displays new helicopter factory. HAL is also
Tejas squadrons from 2012-2017 and will have 11 weapons carriage tasked with MRO of IAF assets
(12th Plan) and six additional stations to carry a variety of air to such as the SU-30 MKI, Jaguar,
squadrons from 2017-2022 (13th air missiles and heavy stand-off Mirage 2000, Dornier Do-228,
Plan). precision guided munitions. HTT-40 and HJT-16 Kiran. The
benefits of a large fleet of indige-
ADA is also developing the larger The under development nously developed fleet of combat
Tejas Mk-2 which is slated to enter BrahMos-NG supersonic cruise aircraft and helicopters and their
service by the end of the decade. missile is confirmed for fitment succesful entry into operational
The new aircraft will have a max on both Tejas Mk-1A and Tejas service will mark a paradigm shift
all up weight of 17.5 tonne and Mk2 variants. The BrahMos Air in the operational capability of the
features a new configuration with Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) IAF..

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