As Tejas takes wings, IAF awaits more potent Mark-1A model

As the first Tejas LCA squadron takes wings, Indian Air Force waits for the Tejas Mark-1A, which would be much more potent.

The first two Tejas in the 45 squadron are having the configuration approved at the stage of Initial Operation Clearance (IOC), granted in December 2013. It would be followed by the LCA’s final operational clearance configuration. Once the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) is approved, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will go for the production of LCA Tejas Mark-1A, which may happen around 2019-2020. “Our aim is to marry the FOC with LCA Mark-1A. Lets see how the programme goes from now on (sic),” sources in the IAF headquarters told DH.

Defence Research and Development Organisation and Aeronautical Development Agency planned to obtain the FOC from the certifying authority in December 2015, which did not materialise. The new target is December 2016.

In the FOC configuration, the aircraft would incorporate Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, improved and better stand-off weapons and air-to-air refueling capability.

The LCA Mark-1A, on the other hand, would have new generation Active Electronically Scanned Array radar with simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground capability, missile warning system, an integrated advanced electronic warfare suite; advanced versions of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons and maintainability improvements. In April 2015, a Comptroller and Auditor General report red-flagged 53 deficiencies in the IOC configuration of Tejas, limiting the operational efficiency and survivability of the aircraft. The IOC version was approved with those 53 waivers.