Indian Air Force To Procure 100 Modified Tejas Aircraft

Indian Air Force has decided to order 100 modified Tejas aircraft apart from 20 planes, which had been ordered previously.

Indian air force believes that by acquiring the aircraft Pakistan can perform better that the JF17 and would beat the Pakistani competitor on four parameters like reach, weapons, ability to kill and survivability.

“With the upgraded Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) line to be activated, the air force will organize its fighter procurement plans to accommodate 120 of the indigenous planes within the next 11 years,” defence ministry official was quoted as saying today by Economic Times.

This line of Tejas will help the air force to overcome shortage of Mirage, Jaguars and MiG-29s, which are due to retirement in 10 years.

The air force has requested Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to add newer capabilities in the Tejas.

The four new specifications include an Active Electronically Scanned Array ( AESA) radar, along range beyond visual range missile, air-to-air refueling and electronic warfare capability which will enhance survivability of the aircraft, senior defence ministry officials said.

"Once HAL and Aeronautical development Centre (ADA) assures the design and development of this Tejas variant, the air force will step up to order 100 additional aircrafts after the first 20 are delivered," the official said.