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The JF-17 Block III prototype made lower aircraft readiness rates and a Quadraplex Power PC based
its maiden flight in mid-Decem- increased overhaul replacement Processor, high speed autonomous
ber 2019, in Chengdu, Southwest work down the line. HAL was to state machine based I/O controller,
China’s Sichuan Province. The have originally completed deliv- enhanced computational through-
first JF-17 prototype aircraft (called eries of all 83 aircraft on order by put and complex on-board software
FC-1) was rolled out in May 2003 February 2029. The state-owned complied to DO178C level- A safety
and went on to make its first flight in airframer had said it would deliver requirements.
August 2003. the first 3 aircraft in 2024 year
and 16 aircrafts annually from
2025-2029. The Tejas MK1A also features an
Tejas, Tried and Tested advanced Mission Computer, Smart
Multi-Function Displays (SMFD),
India’s indigenously developed In November 2023, India’s Ministry Active Electronically Scanned Array
Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) of Defence (MoD) cleared the (AESA) radar, advanced Self-
has now completed eight years in procurement of an additional 97 protection Jammer (SPJ), Electronic
operational service with the Indian Tejas Mk-1A aircraft for the IAF. Warfare (EW) suite. The Tejas
Air Force (IAF). The LCA was When the contract is formally inked, MK1A will be capable of firing a
christened Tejas in 2003 and the the order value will be in excess plethora of weapons from increased
multi-role fighter is presently oper- of US$8 billion. The MoD has also stand-off ranges. Many of these
ational with two fighter squadrons sanctioned over US$1 billion for weapons will also be of indigenous
of the IAF. The first IAF Squadron the development of the larger LCA origin, such as the indigenously
to induct the Tejas in July 2016 was Mk2, an updated and more lethal developed Astra Beyond Visual
No 45 Squadron, ‘Flying Daggers’. version of the Tejas. The LCA Mk2 Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).
No 18 Squadron became the will be powered by a more powerful
second IAF squadron to operate GE F-414 engine. In June last year,
Tejas in May 2020. Both squad- GE Aerospace had entered into a Combat Capable
rons operate the Tejas Mk-1, which Memorandum of Understanding
features a quadruplex redundant (MOU) with HAL to these jet
Fly-By-Wire (FBW) system and is engines in India. GE began working The light fighters listed here are
fitted with an Israeli Elta Multi-Mode with the Aeronautical Development more capable by an order of mag-
airborne radar, Helmet Mounted Agency and HAL in 1986 to sup- nitude as compared to the aircraft
Display, Self-protection suite and port the LCA programme with F404 they were designed to replace.
Laser Designation Pod. engines supplied for prototype Fitted with modern engines, avi-
aircraft. Till date, over 75 F404 onics, sensors and weapons; they
The IAF has also placed more engines have been delivered with are truly multi-role platforms and
have a vitally important role in the
orders for Tejas for 83 Mk-1A an additional 99 on order for LCA air forces they have been inducted
aircraft which are substantially Mk1A. Eight F414 engines have in. Arguably when compared to
more capable than the existing been delivered as part of an ongo-
Tejas Mk-1 version. Unfortunately ing development program for LCA others, the Indian Tejas has yet to
for the IAF, deliveries of its Tejas Mk2. GE Aerospace has also been find an export customer. However,
Mk-1A aircraft have been delayed. selected for the prototype develop- it has the benefit of a large home
India’s state-owned airframer, ment, testing and certification of the market with orders placed for 123
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited AMCA program with its F414-INS6 aircraft and an additional order for
(HAL) has attributed the delay to engine. 97 in the pipeline. The FA-50 and
global supply chain constraints and JF-17 on the other hand are fully
a delay in deliveries of the aircraft’s The Tejas Mk-1A will feature operational in significant numbers
American GE F-404 engines. “The substantially updated avionics, across multiple platforms and are
aerospace industry continues to including a new Digital Fly by Wire the more mature platforms. Newer
experience unprecedented supply Flight Control Computer (DFCC variants of these aircraft are also far
chain pressures. GE Aerospace is Mk1A), which was first integrated more potent and KAI has already
working with our partner HAL and in the Tejas LSP7 prototype and unveiled a significant roadmap of
suppliers to resolve constraints successfully flown for the first time upgrades for these aircraft. All in all,
and deliver F404-IN20 engines for in February this year. This DFCC it is quite clear that this Asian trio of
the LCA Mk1 programme,” a GE has been indigenously developed fighters, will continue to dominate
Aerospace spokesperson told ADT. by the Aeronautical Development the global light fighter market for
HAL has an option to use older Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru another decade and a half, if not
used F404s, which could result in for the Tejas - Mk1A and features beyond..

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