IAF deploys India-made Tejas multirole light fighter planes at forward base in Kashmir

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed indigenous Tejas Mk-1 multirole light fighter aircraft at the Awantipura forward airbase in Jammu and Kashmir.

A tweet from the IAF’s Western Air Command, showed AOC-in-C Air Marshal PM Sinha visiting the base and inspecting one of the Tejas Mk-1 fighter jets on the runway.

The Tejas Mk-1’s ability to operate from short and semi-prepared runways makes it ideal for deployment in forward bases such as Awantipura which is located close to the Line of Control (LoC) i in the Kashmir valley

“The LCA fleet has been moved to forward bases for gaining experience in flying in the valleys and other operations. The pilots of the fleet are carrying out extensive flying there,” news agency ANI cited defence officials as saying.

Awantipura acts as a crucial staging point for air operations in the northern theatre and the introduction of Tejas Mk-1 would enable a swift response to any threats on the border, a retired IAF official said.

The Tejas Mk-1 is a multirole light fighter aircraft which will give the IAF additional punch in various terrains such as forest and hilly region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas Mk-1 is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, advanced radar systems, and modern weaponry that give it formidable combat capabilities

The fighter plane represents a significant jump in India’s aerospace technology and is part of the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign to reduce dependence on imported military hardware.

The IAF has already operationalised two of its squadrons in the initial operational clearance and final operational clearance versions while a contract has been signed for the 83 Mark1 as set to be delivered a few years ahead.