“Game Changer: India Unleashes Tejas Aircraft Nationwide to Counter Pakistan and China Threats!”
India Deploys Tejas Aircraft Nationwide to Counter Threats from Pakistan and China
India is significantly expanding the operational range of its domestically developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), transitioning from a regional focus to a nationwide strategic deployment.
This expansion aims to integrate the Tejas combat jet as a prominent element of the country’s air force, enhancing its capabilities to address potential threats posed by Pakistan and China.
While the final decision to position Tejas squadrons at fighter air bases along the Pakistan and China borders is pending, initial steps have been initiated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Currently, the IAF is dispatching the existing two LCA squadrons for temporary assignments to forward air bases along the western and northern borders. This approach was recently demonstrated when a squadron was stationed in Awantipur, Jammu, and Kashmir, for training purposes.
“These detachments are happening nationwide, especially in the forward air bases. These detachments are aimed at familiarizing pilots and ground staff with operations from these air bases and providing them with experience operating from these locations, with a view to possible future permanent deployment,” an IAF officer shared. The officer chose to remain anonymous due to regulations.
“Squadrons are actively stationed at these forward air bases, and pilots and ground staff are being trained to operate from these new terrains. This is being done with an eye on the future when the LCA might need to operate from these air bases in the North and Northeast of the country,” the officer explained.
The air bases may also require preparation for deploying these aircraft in the future. Thus, providing experience in handling the LCA squadrons becomes essential.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned aircraft manufacturer, is set to produce 83 LCA Mk1A variants, including ten trainers, with deliveries expected to conclude by 2029. The delivery schedule includes three aircraft in 2024, followed by 16 annually from 2025 through two production lines.
A third production line is being established at HAL’s Bengaluru facility to eventually manufacture eight aircraft per year, contributing to the production of 24 LCA Mk1s.
Upon the final induction of the 83 LCA Mk1As, they will form part of at least four Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter squadrons. Coupled with the two existing Tejas squadrons operational at the Sulur air base near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, India is progressing toward operating a total of six Tejas squadrons. This would constitute one-seventh of the IAF’s sanctioned 42 fighter squadrons.
Subsequent plans involve adding six more squadrons featuring the more advanced LCA Mk2. These developments would mean Tejas contributes to about one-fourth of the total sanctioned squadron strength.
As India phases out aging aircraft like MiG-21 and MiG-29 while inducting the Tejas fleet, the aircraft is poised to play a vital role in the IAF’s future arsenal.
The significance of Tejas is expected to grow as the squadron count expands. India’s use of Tejas is predicted to span about three decades, firmly establishing its place in the country’s fighter fleet for an extended period.
This enduring commitment underscores the need for the Tejas fleet to continually elevate its performance standards. The aircraft is projected to see active duty in real combat scenarios as tensions with both Pakistan and China escalate in the coming years.
As these geopolitical conflicts evolve, Tejas may find themselves in direct confrontations, potentially facing Pakistan’s Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets and the China-Pakistan collaboration JF-17. Along the Chinese border, Tejas might also need to compete for airspace against the J-20.