Indian Air Force to raise three Tejas LCA Mk1A Squadrons by late 2026

With supply chain issues surrounding the US-made GE F404 engines for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A beginning to ease, the Bharatiya Vayu Sena (IAF, Indian Air Force) is on track to induct three squadrons of the aircraft by the end of 2026.

The first unit, No. 3 Squadron 'Cobras', based at Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner (Rajasthan), is transitioning from the MiG-21 Bison to the Tejas Mk1A. A second squadron is planned for Rajasthan, likely near the western border. A third squadron is expected at Srinagar Air Force Station (Jammu & Kashmir), with No. 51 Squadron 'Sword Arms' reported to be the recipient. A fourth possible location is Naliya Air Force Station (Gujarat), where No. 18 Squadron 'Flying Bullets' already operates the Tejas LCA Mk1 and LCA-T Mk1.

The IAF plans to acquire a total of 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft. The initial contract, signed in February 2021, covers 83 aircraft (73 single-seat fighters and 10 twin-seat trainers). A follow-on order for 97 aircraft has been approved and is moving through the procurement process.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expanding production capacity from around 16 aircraft annually to 24 by 2026-27, with a target of 30 per year by 2030. This ramp-up is intended to meet the timelines for both orders.

A standard IAF fighter squadron comprises 16–18 aircraft, plus reserves for training and attrition. Together, the two Mk1A contracts will provide the IAF with roughly ten full squadrons.

Credit photo: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)