India’s Tejas ready for IAF induction in March 2012

 

The Tejas Mk 1 light combat aircraft

Flight Global from Aeronautical Development Agency

Two of the Indian Aeronautical Development Agency's Tejas Mk 1 light combat aircraft will be ready for induction by March 2012.


So far, 1,659 flight tests of the Tejas have been conducted, said defence minister AK Antony. The Indian Air Force has ordered forty Mk 1s, 20 with "initial operating clearance standard" and 20 with "final operation clearance standard", he added.


Antony's comments were in response to a query from a member of parliament about the status of the indigenous fighter programme. The Tejas Mk 1, which is produced by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), received initial operational clearance on 11 January.


He also discussed the cost of the programme. In 2001, this was estimated at Indian rupees (Rs) 33 billion ($740million), but cost overruns added an additional Rs24.8 billion ti this.


"The additional cost was to meet the expanded scope of the programme, increased cost of materials, manpower, and maintenance of facilities," he said.


Separately, a two-seat prototype of a naval version of the Tejas Mk I aircraft could have its first flight within the next three months.


The General Electric F404-IN20-powered aircraft is undergoing ground integration tests at HAL's facility in Bengaluru, said a senior official involved in the programme.

Flight Global