Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)
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| Artistic rendering of Tejas Mk2 by Kuntal Biswas |
The Chief of Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has said in an interview that the Indian Air Force has committed to procure 108 Tejas Mk2 aircraft when it is ready for induction and more squadrons will be ordered in the second batch.
As per latest media reports, the Indian Air Force might order four more squadrons in the second batch and the 72 aircraft will have some technological upgrades over the first batch to reduce obsolescence in the aircraft the first Tejas Mk2 pre-production aircraft will be rolled out by the end of this year and will start trials in 2023.
The present Mig complex of Hindustan Aeronautics at Nashik will be converted for manufacturing of the Tejas Mk2 aircraft and Hindustan Aeronautics is planning to maintain a production rate of 21 aircraft per year for the Tejas Mk2.
The Media report also mentions that the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has decided to stick with the right side mounted fixed In-Flight Refuelling Probe for the Tejas Mk2 program and seems to have dropped plans to have a full retractable refueling probe after consultation with the Indian Air Force.
The fixed In-Flight Refuelling Probe will be a plug-and-play system that can be removed if it is not required for specific missions.
