Tejas Programme Set for Historic Growth with 370-Aircraft Fleet

Tejas Programme Set for Historic Growth with 370-Aircraft Fleet\n\nThe Indian Air Force's (IAF) Tejas programme is poised for a massive expansion, with the potential to become the largest modern aircraft fleet in the IAF, surpassing the Mig-21. The programme's growth is driven by the IAF's requirement for 150 Stage-III jet trainers, which could be based on the Tejas SPORT variant.\n\nIf the IAF selects the Tejas Trainer Airframe based SPORT variant, the Tejas family could grow to over 370 aircraft, combining existing orders and potential trainers. This would make Tejas one of the largest single-aircraft families ever developed for the IAF.\n\nThe IAF's Stage-III trainer programme is currently at the Request for Information (RFI) stage, with Indian and foreign manufacturers being asked to respond. The proposed Stage-III aircraft will be the final training platform before pilots move to operational fighters.\n\nA Tejas-derived trainer would create a degree of commonality between the training environment and India's indigenous fighter fleet, which could have implications for pilot conversion, maintenance infrastructure, spares, and training support.\n\nA larger installed fleet would provide a wider production base for Indian suppliers producing airframe structures, avionics, electrical systems, components, and support equipment. It could also sustain domestic maintenance and upgrade capabilities over a much longer period.\n\nHAL is already expanding Tejas production infrastructure, with three production lines for the Mk1A programme. However, engine availability and other technical issues have impacted deliveries.\n\nIf the requirement ultimately goes to a Tejas-derived SPORT aircraft, the resulting fleet would take the broader Tejas family to approximately 370 aircraft. This would give India's indigenous fighter programme a substantially larger long-term production and support ecosystem.\n\nThe Tejas programme's growth has significant implications for India's defence industry, with the potential to create a larger and more sustainable ecosystem for indigenous fighter production and support.\n\nAs the IAF continues to evaluate the Tejas SPORT variant, the programme's future looks promising, with the potential to become one of the largest and most successful indigenous fighter programmes in India's history.\n\nIn conclusion, the Tejas programme is poised for historic growth, with the potential to become the largest modern aircraft fleet in the IAF. The programme's growth would have significant implications for India's defence industry, with the potential to create a larger and more sustainable ecosystem for indigenous fighter production and support.