Tejas Mk.1 & Mk.1A: News & Discussions: 04 January 2021

YashG · Post by **YashG** » 16 Dec 2021 02:39

Jay wrote:
hemant_sai wrote: Isn't that design for empty-shells exit bit weird? Why it should face incoming air-flow?
Oh well, I guess those "bozos" don't know what they are doing. Will you please go help these people to get this right, good sir?

I dont get the idea of sarcasm here. Someone is curious and they asked a question. Asking silly question is okay, forum junta can ignore - if it's not worth answering.

ks_sachin · Post by **ks_sachin** » 16 Dec 2021 02:58

YashG wrote:
Jay wrote:
Oh well, I guess those "bozos" don't know what they are doing. Will you please go help these people to get this right, good sir?
I dont get the idea of sarcasm here. Someone is curious and they asked a question. Asking silly question is okay, forum junta can ignore - if it's not worth answering.

Look at the way the question is phrased. It does betray a touch of condescension.

Tanaji · Post by **Tanaji** » 16 Dec 2021 04:07

I am beginning to think that engineering a gun to fire safely in all regimes of flight is a more harder problem to solve engineering wise than firing other armaments

YashG · Post by **YashG** » 16 Dec 2021 05:44

ks_sachin wrote:
YashG wrote:
I dont get the idea of sarcasm here. Someone is curious and they asked a question. Asking silly question is okay, forum junta can ignore - if it's not worth answering.
Look at the way the question is phrased. It does betray a touch of condescension.

I didn’t catch the condescension whiff.

Oth I dont know too why shells will be discarded from front. Usually u see them falling behind the gun. Surely there must be a reason but i dont know. Im a noob in this matter. But if someone drops an explanation, Im all ears.

Thakur_B · Post by **Thakur_B** » 16 Dec 2021 11:59

hemant_sai wrote:
Indranil wrote: Come out of the two ports below the barrel.
Isn't that design for empty-shells exit bit weird? Why it should face incoming air-flow?

Ejected shells get pushed out. Bit like Fn2000 rifle.

YashG · Post by **YashG** » 16 Dec 2021 13:25

Thakur_B wrote:
hemant_sai wrote: Isn't that design for empty-shells exit bit weird? Why it should face incoming air-flow?
Ejected shells get pushed out. Bit like Fn2000 rifle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GkVgjCJwik

Pushed out in front like this. As about the shells facing oncoming wind, the relative velocity should ensure that shells separate out from aircraft well. Indeed it could be possible that if the plane slows down, a shell separated from the back could hit the aircraft. Shells would maintain their velocity for quite long.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 16 Dec 2021 21:22

https://twitter.com/livefist/status/147 ... 33634?s=20 ---> JUST IN: HAL places its highest value order on an Indian company — $315 million (₹2400 crore) contract with BEL for avionics, flight control computers & other electronics for the LCA Mk1A order. (Art/@Kuntal__biswas).

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 16 Dec 2021 22:04

https://twitter.com/ReviewVayu/status/1 ... 75489?s=20 ---> More on HAL Signing Rs 2400 Crore Contract with BEL. The five-year contract spanning from 2023 to 2028 involves supplying critical avionics Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), flight control computers and night flying LRUs for the LCA Mk 1A.

https://twitter.com/ReviewVayu/status/1 ... 74272?s=20 ---> The order for the supply of these systems for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter fleet will be executed by two divisions of BEL at Bengaluru and Panchkula (Haryana). Deliveries under the 83 Tejas Mk1A order to the IAF will commence from FY 2023-24 onwards.

Picklu · Post by **Picklu** » 18 Dec 2021 23:26

There is an incredible "in front of the moon" shot of Tejas at the 6:30 min of Dubai Airshow video

ShivS · Post by **ShivS** » 19 Dec 2021 12:18

Thakur_B wrote:
hemant_sai wrote: Isn't that design for empty-shells exit bit weird? Why it should face incoming air-flow?
Ejected shells get pushed out. Bit like Fn2000 rifle.

Yes, the shells are pushed out by the discharge gas of the gun. The ports face the airflow as the spent shells at some pitch angles and bank angles may strike the fuselage - this is important as the gun is unlikely to be fired in level flight.

This layout ensures that such strikes are minimised.

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 19 Dec 2021 17:39

Picklu: saw that. Wow!

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 20 Dec 2021 22:21

https://twitter.com/delhidefence/status ... 02373?s=20 ---> Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is not being inducted into the Indian Air Force as a replacement for the MiG-21, but part of the modernization program for the IAF. A total of 123 Tejas are to be manufactured (per extant orders). GOI announced in reply to a Parliament question.

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 25 Dec 2021 01:09

Rakesh wrote: https://twitter.com/delhidefence/status ... 02373?s=20 ---> Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is not being inducted into the Indian Air Force as a replacement for the MiG-21, but part of the modernization program for the IAF. A total of 123 Tejas are to be manufactured (per extant orders). GOI announced in reply to a Parliament question.

The GOI statement didn't age well at all!

Another Mig-21 crash today with the loss of a Wing Commander. 3rd Mig-21 crash this year.

Frankly, its egregious on the part of the IAF Leadership to let their pilots fly in these machines, while restricting Tejas-MK1 orders, claiming that "Oh, Tejas is for modernization onlee". Every Jag & Mig (except Mig-29) ought to be replaced with Tejas-Mk1. But I can't help wondering if the IAF thinking goes like "More money for Tejas means less money for MRFA. So, lets shut down any replacement discussion"

konaseema · Post by **konaseema** » 25 Dec 2021 04:08

At the end of the day, IAF has to wake up and smell its coffee and make the decision to order 4 additional squadrons of Tejas Mk1/A & commit to a minimum of 10 squadrons of Tejas Mk2. We need a minimum of 20 squadrons of Tejas Single Engine jets. With the maturity DRDO is exhibiting in the area of A2A & A2G missiles, IAF should put faith in HAL to build these jets. Indian government should announce PLI in the defense aerospace sector and bring in a consortium of Indian private players (not more than 2 companies) to establish another aircraft manufacturer, who will invest in the additional capacity that HAL doesn't have, to manufacture these jets. This company might be the same one with whom HAL is going to partner to manufacture AMCA. It is foolish from the Indian government's part and that of IAF to not invest in additional manufacturing lines at HAL or another company to keep the cost of Tejas aircrafts low. The capex that will be invested now can be amortized once the export orders are realized. Another option can be to hire more resources at HAL to bring down the manufacturing time of Tejas aircrafts further, if that is doable.

A Deshmukh · Post by **A Deshmukh** » 25 Dec 2021 10:43

If only IAF had ordered few squadrons of Tejas IOC/FOC in 2010-2015 timeframe, we could have retired Mig-21s earlier.
Instead IAF chose to call it a 3-legged cheetah and wanted Mk2 instead.

Ironically, IAF does not want Mk2 now.

csaurabh · Post by **csaurabh** » 25 Dec 2021 12:24

We as Indians have the old world 'poor' mentality of keep using the old product as long as possible.
Need to get into consumerist and mass production mode. Your aircraft has an expiry date, just like your shoe and smartphone. Scrap the old and maintain a constantly running production system to replace it with the new. Ironically this has better economics because of how mass production works with economies of scale (something that our AF doesn't seem to understand).

John · Post by **John** » 25 Dec 2021 22:14

A Deshmukh wrote:If only IAF had ordered few squadrons of Tejas IOC/FOC in 2010-2015 timeframe, we could have retired Mig-21s earlier.
Instead IAF chose to call it a 3-legged cheetah and wanted Mk2 instead.

Ironically, IAF does not want Mk2 now.

HAL is struggling to build even handful of AC a yr and have very little incentive to ramp up or meet timeline. It would have mattered very little even if production had started earlier. As stated long time need to move production to another private company and force HAL to comply to introduce competition and innovation.

V_Raman · Post by **V_Raman** » 25 Dec 2021 22:23

folks let the production line get going on MK1A first and IOC of Mk2. orders will come in....

Neela · Post by **Neela** » 26 Dec 2021 07:39

Rakeshji could we have variants and orders listed in 1st post please. This covers the business side of Tejas and makes for an comprehensive first post which would be used as reference for all media folks too. Otherwise You’ll find YouTube channels still harping about lack of orders .
Also potential export orders and their status.

rajsunder · Post by **rajsunder** » 26 Dec 2021 13:34

konaseema wrote:At the end of the day, IAF has to wake up and smell its coffee and make the decision to order 4 additional squadrons of Tejas Mk1/A & commit to a minimum of 10 squadrons of Tejas Mk2. We need a minimum of 20 squadrons of Tejas Single Engine jets. With the maturity DRDO is exhibiting in the area of A2A & A2G missiles, IAF should put faith in HAL to build these jets. Indian government should announce PLI in the defense aerospace sector and bring in a consortium of Indian private players (not more than 2 companies) to establish another aircraft manufacturer, who will invest in the additional capacity that HAL doesn't have, to manufacture these jets. This company might be the same one with whom HAL is going to partner to manufacture AMCA. It is foolish from the Indian government's part and that of IAF to not invest in additional manufacturing lines at HAL or another company to keep the cost of Tejas aircrafts low. The capex that will be invested now can be amortized once the export orders are realized. Another option can be to hire more resources at HAL to bring down the manufacturing time of Tejas aircrafts further, if that is doable.

PLI like schemes are not needed. Assured purchases are what are needed.
Also MK2 should have been a joint project with a private player(s). HAL should have hand held these companies and made them a part of development effort.

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 27 Dec 2021 17:00

John wrote:
A Deshmukh wrote:If only IAF had ordered few squadrons of Tejas IOC/FOC in 2010-2015 timeframe, we could have retired Mig-21s earlier.
Instead IAF chose to call it a 3-legged cheetah and wanted Mk2 instead.

Ironically, IAF does not want Mk2 now.
HAL is struggling to build even handful of AC a yr and have very little incentive to ramp up or meet timeline. It would have mattered very little even if production had started earlier. As stated long time need to move production to another private company and force HAL to comply to introduce competition and innovation.

They have turned around and are going to deliver 10 Tejas Mk1s to the IAF this year. Far from a "handful".

On the contrary, HAL has every incentive to build more Tejas Mk1 and Mk1As as this will be their cash cow for a long time to come. There is no Su-30MKI line now, and HAL needs the Tejas to keep their workforce fully occupied. With no MRFA likely coming through either, HAL knows what's on the line as far as their order book is concerned.

And given that the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A experience will dictate how the Mk2 and TEDBF orders are, they have a lot of skin in the game. They have been outsourcing heavily now for the Tejas Mk1 and that's a welcome step forward.

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 27 Dec 2021 17:14

A Deshmukh wrote:If only IAF had ordered few squadrons of Tejas IOC/FOC in 2010-2015 timeframe, we could have retired Mig-21s earlier.
Instead IAF chose to call it a 3-legged cheetah and wanted Mk2 instead.

Ironically, IAF does not want Mk2 now.

Yes, that regret will always remain, that the IAF chose to sit and demand full FOC or no more orders rather than negotiating with HAL on a block/tranche capability roadmap that would've allowed them to order a couple more Mk1 squadrons at a capability level just above that of the IOC, but below FOC. HAL would've been forced earlier itself to figure out solutions for their assembly lines, to be able to deliver at least 10-12 Tejas Mk1s which they ultimately had to do anyway to get to 8 fighters per year.

Even what we have today is thanks to the late DM Manohar Parrikar. Without him having brought IAF and HAL together to sort out matters and arrive at a mutually acceptable specification and schedule, even the Mk1A wouldn't have been ordered..Imagine what a monumental mess the IAF would've been in, in that case.

My gut feeling is that this new Air Chief is not going to be as supportive as the previous ones were. His statements till date have hardly inspired any confidence in this regard. I think all he's going to do is repeat "we want 114/ 6 squadrons of MRFA" and talk of AMCA (which is too far away to even matter) and that's about it. The deafening silence on the Tejas Mk2 is shameful to say the least. Reminds me of ACM SK Kaul, who as AM Rajkumar mentioned in his book on the Tejas, did not visit the Tejas program facilities in Bangalore even once during his 3 year tenure when he was told that the Tejas would not fly within his tenure.

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 28 Dec 2021 00:06

Sadly, this is my read of the incumbent as well. OT here, but the GOI could have been more careful in its succession planning, taking Atmanirbhar alignment as a key criterion. Hope they don't repeat this in the future. I'll leave it at that.

fanne · Post by **fanne** » 28 Dec 2021 02:53

But how would Goi know what about the incumbent? What if next 10 in line are no better?

Perhaps let IA have its own fixed wing combat aircraft? That was we are not jeopardized by some systematic foul/wrong thinking or idea?

Let IN air wing (expanded hugely) for combat all over peninsular India, air craft carriers and islands. Maybe some of their planes (like Mig 29k in 2020) take part in air to air war over Lac or LOc.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 28 Dec 2021 04:22

Neela wrote:Rakesh-ji could we have variants and orders listed in 1st post please. This covers the business side of Tejas and makes for an comprehensive first post which would be used as reference for all media folks too. Otherwise You’ll find YouTube channels still harping about lack of orders. Also potential export orders and their status.

Neela-ji, I am creating two new Tejas threads for 2022.

One will be will for the Tejas Mk1 and the other for the Tejas Mk1A.

I thought the variants and orders were already listed in the 1st post of this thread. Could you kindly clarify what you mean?

Khalsa · Post by **Khalsa** » 28 Dec 2021 04:25

I am of the firm belief that Tejas numbers will not come until the following hurdles have been crossed.
- S400 Induction and Operationalisation
- CAATSA waiver
- MRFA
- Naval MRFA or MMCA or whatever you want to call it.

then there are small tangential issues of Kaveri, GE-Engines, Safran for Tejas Mk 2.0

I do not believe the Chief has much to say except play aligned with what the PMO asks him to say.
Its wait and watch for now.

Neela · Post by **Neela** » 28 Dec 2021 08:51

Rakesh wrote:
Neela wrote:Rakesh-ji could we have variants and orders listed in 1st post please. This covers the business side of Tejas and makes for an comprehensive first post which would be used as reference for all media folks too. Otherwise You’ll find YouTube channels still harping about lack of orders. Also potential export orders and their status.
Neela-ji, I am creating two new Tejas threads for 2022.

One will be will for the Tejas Mk1 and the other for the Tejas Mk1A.

I thought the variants and orders were already listed in the 1st post of this thread. Could you kindly clarify what you mean?

A suggestion - Orders can be listed as text after FOC text and before production numbers. This follows a logical pattern wouldnt it?
We will need to distinguish the PVs and TDs from the orders ( imagine media folks with zero clues on this trying to make sense of variants).
----
An additional inputfor marketing for 1st post : In one of the exercises, a single Tejas was supposed to have done 6 sorties in a day. From a operational end user point of view and from a Youtube channel content creator POV, this needs to be highlighted . Also shows how LRU efficiency program for Tejas has enhanced availability.

Edited and forgot to add:
Thanks!

Avinandan · Post by **Avinandan** » 28 Dec 2021 13:15

Thakur_B wrote:
hemant_sai wrote: Isn't that design for empty-shells exit bit weird? Why it should face incoming air-flow?
Ejected shells get pushed out. Bit like Fn2000 rifle.

Many thanks, that was interesting.

Meanwhile I was looking at other fighter planes having similar arrangement.
Apparently JF-17 and J10 have similar setup.

Haram Link : https://defence.pk/pdf/media/jf-17-thun ... 15753/full

But surprising JAS-Gripen doesn't have it, the gun arrangement looks much sleeker.
Link : https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.file ... -05big.jpg
https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.file ... ture1a.jpg

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 28 Dec 2021 16:33

Thats because in the Gripen aircraft the Mauser B 27 cannon shells are stowed instead of being ejected.

http://www.airvectors.net/avgripen.html

Compatibility with the latest munitions, most notably the Meteor BVRAAM, as well as current versions of the Litening targeting pod and Reccelite reconnaissance pod. Cannon shells were stowed instead of ejected, lest they cause airframe damage.

fanne · Post by **fanne** » 28 Dec 2021 21:12

Can episodes 1-8 of Hamara Tejas be on the first page?

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 28 Dec 2021 21:14

fanne wrote:Can episodes 1-8 of Hamara Tejas be on the first page?

Creating new threads for Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A and will be adding all 8 episodes on the first page.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 29 Dec 2021 02:07

Theaterizaton will solve some of these procurement problems.
The theater planes will be more like tactical airforce during WWII.
The SFC planes will be the strategic component.
In effect, it brings back the fighter and bomber/strike streams.
IAF is unable or unwilling to see the big picture in their obsession after the 1974 abolition of the bomber stream.
The 272 Su-30MKIs are like the 107 Canberra and the 147 HF-24s.
Abolition of bomber stream ended up with a large long-range strike force!

Barath · Post by **Barath** » 29 Dec 2021 19:48

https://www.ajaishukla.com/2021/12/air- ... n.html?m=1

has information on Mk1 and Mk1A. eg Details of the 25 concessions given for Mk1 FOC. 12 have been addressed or to be validated. Excerpts included below

The Mark 1A is being fitted with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an electronic warfare (EW) suite that includes a jammer, the Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT) – an IFF plus system – and a digital map generator.

It will have the ASRAAM

Another modification involves reshaping the cockpit floor to enable bigger pilots – with shoe size up to 10,

“The IAF has allotted HAL a Tejas Mark 1, numbered SP-25 (series production aircraft number 25), for integrating these modifications. We are almost through and will start flight testing in December. It will take about two years to complete flight testing, i.e., by end-2023,” said HAL chairman, R Madhavan. Meanwhile, flight-testing continues. The first Mark 1A is to be delivered in February 2024 with all modifications installed

Barath · Post by **Barath** » 29 Dec 2021 19:53

Kartik wrote:The deafening silence on the Tejas Mk2 is shameful to say the least.

The IAF has accepted Mk2 CDR, clearing way for HAL to start issuing fabrication drawings for the prototype. Work continues. The IAF chief is seeing a window open for his 114 MRFA RFP and is fighting for that. This doesn't necessarily mean that the Mk2 will be abandoned - it's timeline would after the 114 MRFA RFP

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 29 Dec 2021 20:48

Thanks Bharath. The Mk2 will come, no matter what this Air Chief says or does not say.

The concern at Air HQ is that if their meagre CAPEX are diverted towards committing towards Tejas MK2 - at this juncture - would mean no funds for 114 MRFA (basically more Rafales). The reality is that there is no money for Rafales in any high number. Perhaps 2 units now and another 2 units later.

Put yourselves in their shoes. They have to deal with politicians and babus who have no clue about what any of these combat aircraft are and what they are capable of. If they commit to any number of Tejas Mk2, before acquiring at least two more Rafale units, the politicos and babus will not allow them to order any more Rafales.

fanne · Post by **fanne** » 29 Dec 2021 20:53

my very simple question - what changed when CAS changed? - The earlier ones (many of them) said that Rafale was the next thing to God fighting for us. So much so that there was no plan B. Once 36 Rafale were bought under G2G deal (and possibility of another 36 + 36 Rafale), why Rafale is being rejected for 114 MRFA. (It is no one's argument that Rafale could be part of MRFA, but why go that route when more Rafale can be had in tranches under G2G- a possibility 100 times more likely than MRFA). Does the long-term planning of IAF change with each chief? And for the record, I am not alleging that there is corruption, or someone is trying to get their kins in colleges in western universities, or the issue is not Rafale but G2G deal which leaves little scope for any commissions.
All I am saying is that - why this adhocism? Suddenly Lca MK2 is not talked about? Why play this game of chicken with your government and national security? If you don't give MFRA I will not buy anything indigenous? I will not spend the money this year on an indigenous product so that after 5 years down the road, I can commit enough resources to MRFA? Or let the squadron strength drop to a dangerous level (it already has), so that it is enough bad that we may lose in war and force the government to panic to buy my favorite toy (MFRA). Why play that game? - That is how it looks to someone looking from outside, again I am not alleging that IAF is doing this (and I don't have any proof). With current funds even SU30MKI can be upgraded. With AESA (1-meter radar), modern EW suite (like Rafale) maybe it can pick J-20 at enough distance (say 150KM) so that it can shoot it down using SFDR or any long range missile. Imminently doable, but why not do that? Because suddenly the capability accretion will render MRFA not so urgent?

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 29 Dec 2021 21:09

Nothing has changed with the new CAS.

The IAF is primarily a war fighting force. Give them a new platform and they will extol the virtues of the system. They can say that Rafale is like the Almighty fighting for them. Ok. No different when IAF pilots say that the Tejas is better than Jaguar and non-upgraded Mirage 2000. Or when they say that the Tejas when compared with all other fighters in the IAF for all-round ability, it will easily be within the top third of the list. When Tejas Mk2 comes, this will be the same air force that will say that the Tejas Mk2 exceeds the Rafale. The Mk2 has not even flown yet and retired IAF officers are already making that claim. When AMCA comes, this same air force will say that AMCA exceeds the Tejas Mk2.

Additional Rafales will come in tranches, but the 114 MRFA contest is being held as an excuse. The fake Rafale scandal went twice to the Supreme Court and came out clean. But the Rafale has to go through the ringer of bureaucratic process, otherwise a new fake scandal will crop up.

The first deal of 36 Rafales was a G2G deal. Additional Rafales will also come in via G2G deal only. Our bureaucratic process does not foster an environment in which India can successfully execute a deal for 126 MMRCA, 114 SE fighters or 114 MRFA. The past 20 years of this torturous acquisition has proven that.

It is unfair to say that, "If you don't give MFRA I will not buy anything indigenous." Even the IAF knows that there is no money for 114 MRFA. Every decision maker in the Government and in the Bureaucracy knows this. Even the chaiwallah who serves tea at the MoD office is aware of that fact. But the Air Chief will continue harping that point - I want 114 MRFA - because that is the only way additional Rafales will come.

Once a follow on batch of Rafales arrive, the Tejas Mk2 will come in and followed by AMCA. If there is anything of value that one has learnt over the decades is this ---> Service Chiefs say one thing, but the Babus and the Politicos have the final say. Let him say that I want 114 MRFA. Keep saying it. Let him continue NOT talking about Tejas Mk2. Keep doing that.

Barath · Post by **Barath** » 30 Dec 2021 00:01

Rakesh wrote:Thanks Bharath. The Mk2 will come, no matter what this Air Chief says or does not say.

The concern at Air HQ is that if their meagre CAPEX are diverted towards committing towards Tejas MK2 - at this juncture - would mean no funds for 114 MRFA (basically more Rafales). The reality is that there is no money for Rafales in any high number. Perhaps 2 units now and another 2 units later.

Put yourselves in their shoes. They have to deal with politicians and babus who have no clue about what any of these combat aircraft are and what they are capable of. If they commit to any number of Tejas Mk2, before acquiring at least two more Rafale units, the politicos and babus will not allow them to order any more Rafales.

Exactly.

The only quibble I have is that it is the job of the MoD/CCS to tell them that there is no money for Rafales and they have evidently not done so. I posit that this is because MoD prefers to kick the ball down the road rather than be accountable (or attacked) for denying service chief what they asked for. The reality is that Tejas Mk2 is not in the Rafale's class for payload, and rafale will get some drone interoperability due to FCAS (which is why the ACM talked about 5th and 6th gen capability to talk up the difference between Mk2 now and 114 MRFA to try and get his RFP.)

The via media of 2 more Rafale squadrons will completely kill another dream - of using the DPP -SP and bootstrapping private industry as a competitor to HAL. The minimum commitment for local manufacture to be viable has been discussed as 100 planes.

Nevertheless, a decision must be taken.

Maybe it will be easier with a new CDS on board to help provide a shield on attacks about security. Maybe a few months will give some idea of next years budget and allow tensions from Ladakh to die down. Maybe later, when the timeline makes it evident that Mk2 will be there before MRFA planes. The decision is, strictly speaking, not essential to be announced immediately. And that is why the chitter chatter has continued so far.

I also endorse Rakesh's reply to fanne - Nothing changed when CAS changed. The IAF never explicitly said "I will not buy Mk2 or I will not buy indigenous". The IAF had to deal with the issue of the moment. Which was weapons during Ladakh conflict, then Mk1A, and then the window for their ask for 114 MRFA. And it is not the IAF job to say there is no money.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 30 Dec 2021 00:38

See this video from 4:17 to 5:25 in the video....listen to what this current Air Chief says about the radars and secure networks that the IAF uses on a daily basis. One would be surprised. In the term IAF, stands the word "Air Force" and thus aircraft get all the attention. Radars and secure networks are not fashionable to talk about. What controversy can really come from radars and secure networks? But 36 Rafales gives RaGa sleepless nights

Even when it comes to the aircraft itself, look at the local kit found on the MiG-29, the Su-30 and the Jaguar, etc. See the developments in Astra, SAAW, etc. A simple google search will reveal a treasure trove of information. I wish the Tejas development followed the easy path of the JF-17 (where the Chinese sold the aircraft and the NaPakis painted it green and called it Pakistani). But nothing good & worthwhile comes easy. When JF-17 fails, Pakistan's ISPR is there to gloss over any mistake. When Tejas stumbles, every media house screams that Tejas is no good. Many of them are paid shrills for foreign dalals.

The Mk1A will surprise the IAF and in a very good way. With the Mk2, the IAF will be grinning from ear to ear. Folks, don't give yourselves headache over this Air Chief's silence over the Tejas Mk2. In the words of Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi - when he was accused in the VVIP helo scandal - how can one man change the specifications of a helicopter without anyone knowing? How is that even possible?

What do you think Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhuri is really going to do? Tell the PMO that the IAF does not want the Tejas Mk2? You think that is going to pass muster with the PMO or the MoD? This absence of him not mentioning the Tejas Mk2 is purely because Air HQ wants a follow on batch of Rafales. If that is acquired, this same air force will place an order for Tejas Mk2 when it is ready.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 30 Dec 2021 00:42

Barath wrote:
Kartik wrote:The deafening silence on the Tejas Mk2 is shameful to say the least.
The IAF has accepted Mk2 CDR, clearing way for HAL to start issuing fabrication drawings for the prototype. Work continues. The IAF chief is seeing a window open for his 114 MRFA RFP and is fighting for that. This doesn't necessarily mean that the Mk2 will be abandoned - it's timeline would after the 114 MRFA RFP

We can thank ACM Bhaduria for this act of mercy on the nation.