India's Air Defense System: Fighter Aircraft
India is the fourth largest air force in the world in terms of the number of military aircraft (after the United States, Russia, and China). According to reference data, as of 2024, drones There were more than 1600 medium-class aircraft and helicopters for various purposes.
India does not publish information regarding the exact size of its military aircraft fleet. According to foreign expert estimates, the combat force comprises approximately 430 fighters, fully capable of performing interception and maneuverable air combat missions. It also still operates approximately 90 Jaguar-IM and Jaguar-IC fighter-bombers, which can carry missiles Close-combat capabilities, but these aircraft are primarily designed for strikes against land and sea targets, and therefore will remain outside the scope of this publication. For training flights, the aircraft operates nine two-seat Mirage 2000-TH/TI, six Tejas Mk 1 Trainers, 22 Jaguar-IBs, and approximately 100 Hawk 132s. All of these two-seat trainers can also be deployed for combat missions, such as UAV interception, if necessary.
In addition, 37 single-seat MiG-29K carrier-based fighters and eight dual-seat MiG-29KUBs were purchased from Russia for deployment on the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. Although some of these aircraft were lost in flight accidents or are inoperable, and those in airworthy condition are not on permanent duty, they can still be used to ensure the integrity of the country's airspace. These aircraft are planned to be replaced by French Rafale M fighters in the future.
In the past, MiG-21 fighters of various modifications constituted a significant portion of the Indian Air Force's combat power. Since 1963, India has received 874 aircraft of various modifications. Of this number, over 400 were lost in accidents and crashes. In September 2025, it was reported that the MiG-21 had been permanently retired from service in India.
The withdrawal from combat service of the MiG-21bis, upgraded to the MiG-21UPG Bison standard after serving in this updated configuration for 20 years, was largely a forced decision caused by the high accident rate, poor technical condition, and obsolescence of these light single-engine fighters, which further exacerbated the problem of a shortage of combat aircraft.
The structure and basing of the Indian Air Force's fighter aircraft
The Indian Air Force is currently undergoing a process of reorganization and rearmament. At the beginning of last year, it had 42 operational squadrons, 29 of which were equipped with jet fighters capable of carrying air-to-air missiles. Two more squadrons are in the process of being formed. Typically, a fighter or fighter-bomber squadron has 18 combat aircraft, but this is not always the case, and larger or smaller numbers are possible. Aviation The wing consists of two or three squadrons.
Over the past two decades, the Indian Air Force has seen a reduction in the number of squadrons, amid a declining fleet of capable combat aircraft. In 1996, 41 fighter and fighter-bomber squadrons were deployed, while in 2013, the number dropped to 35.
The Indian Air Force has five operational and two functional commands. Each command is headed by a commander with the rank of air marshal. The operational command's mission is to conduct military operations using aircraft within its area of responsibility, while the functional commands are responsible for maintaining the combat readiness of the entire air fleet.
Indian Air Force Air Command Headquarters Map
In addition to the Training Command in Bangalore, initial flight training is conducted at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, followed by operational training at various other schools. Advanced officer training for command positions is also conducted at the Defence Services Staff College. Specialized advanced training schools for pilots are located in Bidar, Karnataka, and Hakimpet, Telangana. The Indian Air Force headquarters is in New Delhi.
From the point of view of ensuring the country's defense capability, the Southwestern, Western and Eastern Air Commands are of the greatest importance.
The South Western Air Command, headquartered in Gandhinagar, oversees air operations in the southwestern air sector, which includes most of Rajasthan, the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, and the maritime region. Historically, the command's role has been primarily focused on air defense, although it has recently shifted its focus to strike capabilities.
Deployment chart of fighter squadrons of the South Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force
The Southwestern Air Command has nine fighter squadrons, stationed at five air bases.
Google Earth satellite image of Su-30MKI fighter jets at the Southwestern Air Command's Jodhpur air base. The image was taken in February 2025.
Western Command is headquartered in New Delhi, and its area of responsibility extends from Jammu and Kashmir to Rajasthan, and also encompasses the states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh. This command is the largest in the Indian Air Force, with 16 air bases, four of which are permanently home to fighter squadrons. Two MiG-21 squadrons were stationed at Pathankot Air Base in Punjab until the end of 2024, but now only AH-64 Apache attack helicopters remain there.
Deployment chart of fighter squadrons of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force
Six more Western Command airbases permanently house helicopter squadrons (including attack squadrons) and military transport aircraft. The remaining airbases serve as forward and reserve bases.
The Eastern Air Command is headquartered in Shillong. Its area of responsibility covers 11 states and borders Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The Eastern Air Command maintains permanent air bases in Chabua, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Barrackpur, Hasimara, Jorhat, Kalaikund, and Tezpur, as well as forward air bases in Agartala, Kolkata, Panagarh, and Shillong.
Google Earth satellite image: Eastern Air Command Su-30MKI fighters at Chabua Air Base.
Four fighter squadrons are permanently deployed at three air bases in the Eastern Command. Three of these squadrons fly Su-30MKI fighters, and one flies the Dassault Rafale.
Deployment chart of fighter squadrons of the Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force
The Central Air Command is headquartered in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. It is primarily responsible for northern and central India and maintains airbases in Agra, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Gwalior, and Prayagraj. Additional airstrips are located in Bihta, Darbhanga, Bakshi ka Talab, Nagpur, Kanpur, Nainital, Memaur, and Varanasi.
Google Earth satellite image of Central Air Command Mirage 2000 fighters and Jaguar IC fighter-bombers at Maharajapur Air Base.
Eight squadrons of Su-30MKI, Jaguar-IC and Mirage 2000 aircraft are stationed at three air bases: Bareilly, Gorakhpur and Maharajapur.
Deployment chart of fighter squadrons of the Central Air Command of the Indian Air Force
The Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force is considered a rear-area command, with the least likelihood of attack from this direction. Its headquarters are located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the southwestern state of Kerala. This command was formed in the mid-1980s following the escalation of the situation in Sri Lanka.
A Google Earth satellite image shows HAL Tejas fighter jets parked at the Silur air base, which is under the Southern Air Command.
The command has three main air bases, each with six squadrons assigned to them. Two squadrons, equipped with Su-30MKI and HAL Tejas fighters, are based at Silur and Thanjavur air bases. The Southern Command also operates two air bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Deployment chart of fighter squadrons of the Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force
Overall, India has a highly developed network of paved runways. If necessary, the Air Force can use over 60 air bases and up to 70 civilian airfields.
India also has 13 highway sections that can be used for takeoff and landing of combat aircraft if necessary. The most recent exercise involving Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, C-130J, and An-32 aircraft on the Ganga Expressway, which connects the eastern and western districts of Uttar Pradesh, took place in May 2025.
The current status of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet engaged in air defense missions
Currently, the Su-30MKI heavy multirole fighter jet forms the core of India's fighter fleet, designed to ensure the integrity of the country's airspace. According to Military Balance data for 2025, 261 aircraft of this type were in service, of which over 220 were license-built. Deliveries of the Su-30MKI to combat units began in 2002.
Su-30MKI Fighters
The Su-30MKI is a version of the Su-30MK fighter adapted to Indian requirements and is considered a versatile combat aircraft capable of operating as a long-range interceptor, an air superiority fighter, and also striking ground and sea targets with guided and unguided weapons.
Google Earth satellite image of Su-30MKI fighter jets at HAL's Nasik facility.
Even though the majority of the Su-30MKI was assembled at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Nashik, Maharashtra, using locally manufactured parts, components, and assemblies, this aircraft is significantly more expensive than the Russian Su-30SM, largely due to the use of Western avionics and weapons.
Among the non-Russian equipment, notable features include French and Israeli avionics, Israeli SPICE guided bombs designed to engage ground targets, and the ability to carry British AIM-132 ASRAAM air-to-air missiles. Russian armament includes R-27 and R-77 medium-range air-to-air missiles and R-73 close-in missiles. Western sources claim that some Su-30MKIs can carry the KS-172 missile, which has a range of over 300 km and is primarily designed to counter Chinese and Pakistani AWACS aircraft.
According to reference data, the two-seat Su-30MKI, with a length of 21,34 meters and a wingspan of 14,7 meters, has a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 kg. Two AL-31FP turbofan engines, each producing a maximum thrust of 12,800 kgf, provide a speed of 2125 km/h at high altitude and 1380 km/h at ground level. The service ceiling is 19,800 m. The operational range is up to 3,000 km. With two in-flight refuelings, the range is up to 7,000 km. In addition to the integrated 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds of ammunition, mounted on the right wing extension, there are 12 external pylons that can accommodate a combat load of up to 8,000 kg.
The Indian Air Force lost 11 Su-30MKI fighters in various flight incidents, and to maintain a stable fleet of this type, an additional 12 aircraft were ordered in 2020. Furthermore, to keep the entire Su-30MKI fleet up to date, a large-scale modernization program has been approved, estimated at $7,5 billion. During the work, which will last approximately five years, the fighters will be equipped with domestically produced Virupaaksha active phased array radars. The weapons control system will include an updated computing system, and the crew will have access to modern information display systems.
Currently, 13 operational squadrons are equipped with Su-30MKI fighters, and these aircraft are also used by the Air Combat Tactics Development Centre at Gwalior Air Force Base in Madhya Pradesh.
Google Earth satellite image: Su-30MKI fighter jets at Gwalior Air Force Base
Aviation experts note that following the decommissioning of the MiG-21UPG Bison and the upcoming imminent decommissioning of other obsolete combat aircraft, the importance of the Su-30MKI in the Indian Air Force will only increase, and the purchase of additional batches of this type of fighter with updated armament and avionics cannot be ruled out.
In 1983, Pakistan received its first batch of American fourth-generation F-16A/B Block 15 fighters, which significantly outperformed the fighters in service with the Indian Air Force in terms of flight and combat performance. Pakistan's Fighting Falcons, equipped with AN/APG-66 radar, could detect MiG-21s at a range of just over 55 km. Early F-16s carried up to six AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking short-range missiles, as well as two AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided medium-range missiles.
To compensate for its lag in combat aviation, India ordered fourth-generation MiG-29 fighters from the USSR in 1984. Between 1987 and 1990, it acquired 62 single-seat 9-12B export-version aircraft and seven two-seat 9-51 combat-trainer aircraft under two contracts. In 1994, ten additional single-seat 9-13 MiG-29s were delivered. A licensed version of the fighter, known as the MiG-29L (9-13L), was also developed for the Indian Air Force and was to be manufactured at the Nasik aircraft factory. However, India ultimately abandoned the project.
MiG-29 fighters of the Indian Air Force
By the standards of the 1980s and 1990s, the MiG-29 was a very capable light fighter, capable of successfully competing with other foreign combat aircraft of its class. It is believed that its primary strengths were revealed in close-quarters maneuvering combat, but the MiG-29 was also quite capable as an interceptor.
The fighter, equipped with modern avionics for its time, can carry six R-60M and R-73 close-range missiles with a launch range of 10–30 km, and is armed with a built-in 30-mm GSh-30-1 cannon.
To engage enemy aircraft beyond visual range, the combat load can include two R-27R medium-range missiles with a semi-active radar seeker, capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 60 km. The N019 radar, installed on the export version of the MiG-29, can detect fighter-type targets at ranges of up to 85 km. In good atmospheric conditions, the optical-location system detects targets in the infrared range at ranges of up to 35 km. Target information is displayed on the windshield.
The MiG-29 9-12B fighter has a maximum takeoff weight of 18,100 kg. Its length is 17,32 m, and its wingspan is 11,32 m. Two RD-33 turbofan engines, producing 8,300 kgf of afterburning thrust, can accelerate the aircraft to 2,450 km/h at high altitude. Its maximum sea level speed is 1,500 km/h. Its service ceiling is 18,000 m. Its operational range without drop tanks is 1430 km. Six external hardpoints can accommodate a combat load of up to 2,000 kg.
MiG-29 fighters equipped three operational squadrons based at Adampur (Punjab) and Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) air bases, and pilots and maintenance personnel generally spoke positively of these aircraft. However, the accident rate was high. Between 1989 and 2024, the Indian Air Force lost a total of 20 MiG-29s in accidents and crashes.
Google Earth satellite image of MiG-29 fighter jets at Adampur Air Base. The image was taken in February 2022.
To extend the service life of Indian MiG-29s and improve their combat effectiveness, an $890 million contract was signed with Russia in 2005. This contract provided for the fighters' armament upgrades and the introduction of new R-77 air-to-air missiles. Another $900 million contract followed in 2008 to upgrade the existing fleet (including dual-purpose trainers) to the MiG-29UPG standard. The Russian-Indian agreement included aircraft repairs, design modifications to achieve a 3500-hour overhaul interval, and an increase in service life to 40 years.
MiG-29UPG fighter with R-77 missiles
In terms of combat capabilities, the modernized MiG-29UPG is close to the Russian MiG-29SMT, but differs in its Western-made avionics and equipment. EW The D-29 is a domestically developed aircraft. The Indian fighter is also equipped with the new N010M Zhuk-M radar, other new systems, and RD-33 Series 3 engines, which are manufactured under license by HAL.
In late October 2012, JSC RAC MiG announced the completion of the upgrade of the first six Indian MiG-29s to the UPG configuration, after which they were ferried from Russia to their permanent base. The remaining aircraft were upgraded in India.
As of 2024, the Indian Air Force operated 61 MiG-29s, including six two-seat combat-capable trainers. Given their age and wear, most of India's MiGs could still be in service for another 7-10 years.
Even before negotiations with the USSR began on the acquisition of the MiG-29, India ordered French Dassault Mirage 2000s. Initially, the agreement was for 150 aircraft, which entailed establishing licensed production. However, only 49 units were ultimately purchased, and local assembly was no longer an option.
The first seven aircraft were delivered to No. 7 Squadron, based at Gwalior Air Force Base in Madhya Pradesh, in June 1985. India received the last two French-made fighters purchased under this contract in 1994.
In total, the Indian Air Force received 40 single-seat Mirage 2000H and 9 two-seat Mirage 2000TH (where the "H" stands for "Hindustan") aircraft. The first batch of aircraft were equipped with Snecma M53-5 engines, which were later replaced by the more powerful M53-P2.
Mirage 2000H fighters of the Indian Air Force
During the initial operational phase, the combat readiness of the Indian Mirages was low. The aircraft proved to be much more complex than the aircraft with which ground support crews were accustomed. There was also a certain shortage of spare parts and consumables. Due to the Indian military's ordering of American Paveway II guided bombs and Israeli Litening laser designators, and the US embargoing the supply of this equipment following India's nuclear tests, for some time the only option was to use unguided air-to-ground weapons.
The Mirage 2000H fighter has a maximum takeoff weight of 17,000 kg. Its SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine, producing 95,1 kN of afterburning thrust, provides a maximum speed of 2335 km/h at high altitude. At low altitude, the speed is 1110 km/h. Its service ceiling is 17,000 m. Its ferry range is 3335 km. Its combat radius is up to 1500 km. Nine hardpoints can accommodate 6,300 kg of ordnance. Its internal armament consists of two 30 mm DEFA 554 cannons with 125 rounds per gun.
After the Indians had mastered the Mirages to a sufficient degree, these aircraft began to play an important role in ensuring the country's defense capability and were actively used in regular border clashes with Pakistan.
Although the Mirage 2000H and Mirage 2000TH fighters are quite capable of intercepting airborne targets and engaging in offensive close combat, due to their heavy payload, the presence of precision-guided munitions, and their significant combat radius, they were primarily used for ground strikes. In some cases, they were also refuelled in the air by Il-78MKI tankers.
During the 1999 Kargil War, pilots of the 1st Squadron carried out 274 combat sorties escorting attack aircraft and providing air defense, while pilots of the 7th Squadron carried out 240 ground strikes, dropping 55 tons of bombs.
The Mirage's successful combat performance prompted New Delhi to consider purchasing additional aircraft of this type. Specifically, plans were discussed to acquire an additional 126 Mirage 2000-5s. However, due to financial constraints, the delivery was limited to ten fighters equipped with improved avionics and the upgraded RDM 7 radar.
In 2011, the Indian government approved a $2,2 billion Mirage modernization program, which included upgrading the entire fleet to the Mirage 2000-5 Mk. 2 standard, including the installation of a glass cockpit with night vision devices, upgraded navigation and identification systems, an advanced multi-mode multi-layer radar, and a fully integrated electronic warfare suite, among other upgrades. Furthermore, the Super 530D and R.550 Magic II air-to-air missiles were replaced with MICA. Russian R-73 missiles were also added to the arsenal. The single-seat version was renamed the Mirage 2000I, and the two-seat version the Mirage 2000TI.
Mirage 2000TI fighter
The first modernized aircraft was delivered to the customer in March 2015. The first Mirages were modernized in France at Dassault Aviation, while the main fleet of fighters was upgraded in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
To extend the service life of its existing single- and two-seat Mirage fighters, India acquired 24 fighters decommissioned from the French Air Force in 2022. Of this batch, 13 aircraft are fully operational and can be restored to airworthy condition if necessary. Only eight are expected to be commissioned, while the remainder will be held in reserve. Another 11 partially disassembled aircraft will be used for spare parts.
As with other fighter types in the Indian Air Force, a significant number of Mirages were lost in flight accidents. According to reference data, in 2024, 36 single-seat Mirage 2000Is and 9 two-seat Mirage 2000TIs were in service.
These fighters are deployed to the 1st and 7th Fighter Squadrons at Maharajpur Air Base in Madhya Pradesh. Several aircraft are also stationed at the Combat Training Centre at Gwalior Air Base in Madhya Pradesh. According to Indian Air Force plans, the Mirages will remain in service until 2030.
The Dassault Rafale is slated to replace the Mirage 2000I and Mirage 2000TI fighters. The agreement for the first Rafale jets was signed in 2016. The 36-aircraft batch was valued at $8 billion. 30% of the contract price was to be recouped through investment in India's industrial development and aircraft maintenance and repairs. The deal included spare parts and weapons for the new French-made fighters. Indian media reported that the contract price was greatly inflated and contained significant corruption. The Supreme Court of India reviewed the Rafale procurement case but found no violations.
The first Rafale fighter jet lands at Ambala Air Force Base.
The first five Rafale fighters arrived at Ambala Air Force Base on July 27, 2020. The last of the 36 fighters was delivered to the customer in April 2022. The single-seat version for the Indian Air Force, with modifications to accommodate local specifics, was designated Rafale EH, while the two-seat version was designated Rafale DH.
Indian fighter jet Rafale DH
The single-seat Rafale EH, with a maximum takeoff weight of 24,500 kg, is 15,25 m long and has a wingspan of 10,9 m. Two turbofan engines with 75 kN of afterburning thrust enable it to reach a speed of 1910 km/h at high altitude. Land speed is 1390 km/h. The flight ceiling is 15,800 m. The ferry range is up to 3700 km. The combat radius is up to 1850 km. It is equipped with a built-in 30 mm GIAT 30/M791 cannon with 125 rounds of ammunition. Fourteen external hardpoints can accommodate a payload of 9,500 kg, a very substantial weight for an aircraft of this class.
Currently, the Rafale fighters in service with the Indian Air Force are operated by two squadrons: 17 Squadron based at Ambala Air Force Base in Haryana and 101 Squadron based at Hasimara Air Force Base in West Bengal.
Google Earth satellite image of a Rafale fighter jet and Jaguar fighter-bombers at Ambala Air Force Base. The image was taken in March 2022.
In the first half of June 2024, Rafale EH and Rafale DH fighters took part in the large-scale international military exercise Red Flag - Alaska 2024, which was held at the American Eielson Air Force Base, located in Alaska.
Google Earth satellite image of Indian Rafale fighter jets parked at Eielson Air Force Base alongside American F-16s. The image was taken in June 2024.
The Indian side contributed eight Rafale fighters, an Il-78MKI tanker, and a C-17A heavy military transport aircraft to the joint exercises. American, Dutch, German, and Singaporean aircraft also participated. On the return flight, the Indian air group made a refueling stop at Lajes Field in Portugal. After the stop, the air group was divided into two parts: one visited Greece and the other Egypt. The Rafales also participated in mock air-to-air combat with Hellenic Air Force F-16s and Egyptian Air Force Rafale EM/DM fighters. Throughout 2024, Indian Rafale pilots, based at Hasimara Air Base, under the Eastern Air Command, trained to fire air-to-air missiles at targets simulating Chinese spy balloons flying at an altitude of 17,000 meters.
In April 2025, after the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security approved the purchase of 26 Rafale-M aircraft for the Indian Navy, it was announced that negotiations were underway to acquire 114 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The majority of the fighters are to be assembled domestically. The modernization of existing Rafales is also being discussed.
The HAL Tejas light fighter project has become a typical Indian long-term project in the defense sector. History The development of this aircraft began in the late 1980s, when Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the Aviation Development Agency, using existing developments and with advisory support from Dassault-Breguet, began designing a combat aircraft designed to replace the Soviet MiG-21.
The paper design phase was completed in 1991. According to the project, it was a very compact aircraft, built using a tailless configuration, with a digital fly-by-wire system and minimal static stability. The project envisaged that most of the avionics would be domestically produced, but ultimately this was not fully realized. Instead of the onboard radar, developed by a domestic developer and demonstrating unsatisfactory performance, the new fighters were equipped with a radar system from the Israeli company Elta. Meanwhile, Indian companies, while implementing the fighter project, which was named Tejas (Radiant) in 2003, succeeded in manufacturing composite parts and carbon fiber skins, and also created a "glass cockpit," which subsequently attracted interest in Europe.
The technology demonstrator, which tested the control system, took to the air on January 4, 2001. A prototype fighter flew in 2003. Several more pre-production prototypes followed, testing various equipment. The first limited-edition aircraft flew on April 25, 2007. A total of seven limited-edition aircraft, designed for radar and weapons testing, were built.
Tejas Mk 1 fighter
However, the process of refining and eliminating the identified deficiencies was delayed, and the Air Force command only approved the Tejas Mk 1 modification, deemed suitable for operational use, in 2015. The first combat unit equipped with Tejas Mk 1 fighters was the 45th Squadron, stationed at the Silur Air Force Base in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
The Tejas Mk 1A fighter, scheduled to enter service in 2024, boasts over 40 improvements over its predecessor. The most notable are the use of the Israeli Elta EL/M-2032 radar and an updated weapons control system, the introduction of an electronic warfare suite developed by the Defense Avionics Research Establishment, and the high-performance DFCC MK1A flight management computer. The cockpit is equipped with multifunctional touchscreen displays and a Martin-Baker 16LG ejection seat. The aircraft's armament has also been expanded, and in-flight refueling capability has been added. The first four aircraft have already been delivered. The Indian Air Force is slated to receive 180 single- and two-seat Tejas Mk 1A fighters.
The first modification of the two-seat trainer aircraft was designated the Tejas Mk 1 Trainer, while the second modification was designated the Tejas Mk 1A Trainer. As of 2024, six Tejas Mk 1 Trainers have been delivered, and 29 Tejas Mk 1A Trainers are on order.
The single-seat Tejas Mk 1A has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,500 kg, exceeding the MiG-21UPG Bison it is intended to replace. The Tejas is considered the most compact fighter jet accepted into service in the 21st century. It is 13,2 m long and has an 8,2 m wingspan. Its General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine with afterburner produces a maximum thrust of 85 kN and enables it to accelerate to 2220 km/h at high altitude. Its service ceiling is 16,000 m. Its ferry range is 3,000 km. Its combat radius is up to 730 km. Nine external load points can carry 5300 kg.
The Tejas is primarily designed for close-range, maneuverable combat and interception. Its armament consists primarily of TGS missiles: Russian R-73, Israeli Python-5, and British AIM-132 ASRAAM. For medium-range interception, it uses radar-guided I-Derby ER and Astra Mk 1 missiles. The Tejas Mk 1A is expected to receive Astra Mk 2 and Meteor missiles in the future. Its internal armament consists of a Soviet-designed 23mm GSh-23 cannon.
Google Earth satellite image of Tejas fighter jets and an Mi-35 attack helicopter parked at Silur Air Base. The image shows that the Tejas fighter jets are shorter than the Mi-35 attack helicopter.
Tejas fighters are currently in operational trials. They are deployed by two units: the 45th Squadron, based at Silur Air Base (Tamil Nadu), and the 18th Squadron, which was transferred from Silur Air Base several years ago to Naliya Air Base (Gujarat), where Su-30MKI heavy fighters were also based. Both airfields are located far from the most likely combat zones. Silur Air Base is under the Southern Air Command, and Naliya Air Base is under the Southwestern Air Command. As of 2024, the armed forces had 38 Tejas fighters, including six two-seaters.
In 2023, plans were unveiled to deploy the Tejas Mk 1A to Nal Air Force Base in Rajasthan. The new light fighters will replace the MiG-21UPG Bison in the 3rd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons.
Google Earth satellite image of MiG-21 fighter jets at Nal Air Base. The image was taken in December 2022.
The first delivery of the Tejas Mk 1A was expected in late 2024. However, satellite imagery suggests that the Tejas fighters have not yet been fully deployed at Nal Air Base, likely due to delays in the delivery of engines and avionics, as well as administrative complications.
The next step in the development of the Tejas fighter family is expected to be the Tejas Mk 2.
The expected appearance of the Tejas Mk 2 fighter jet
This aircraft features a stretched airframe and a more powerful General Electric F414-GE-INS6 engine, producing a maximum thrust of 98 kN. Its maximum takeoff weight can reach 17,500 kg, and its combat radius will be 1,200 km. The fighter will be equipped with new avionics developed in India and the latest weapons. Unlike the Tejas Mk 1A, which was primarily designed for anti-aircraft combat, the completely redesigned Tejas Mark 2 will be effective against land and sea targets and is expected to eventually replace the Mirage and Jaguar aircraft.
However, it's already clear that the planned Tejas Mk 2 testing schedule has been missed. According to a statement from a HAL representative, the first prototype was expected to be released in 2025, the first flight in 2026, and mass production would commence in 2029. However, based on the testing and refinement experience of previous models, these timelines appear overly optimistic.
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