The famed No. 51 ‘Swordarms’ Squadron, located in Srinagar, is about to start receiving the indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter plane. The squadron temporarily suspended flying operations on June 30, 2022, following the retirement of its MiG-21Bis, which had garnered renown for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 over the Line of Control.
Tejas Mk1A to be Inducted Soon
With the delivery of Tejas Mk1A planes set to begin in February 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) intends to establish the first two squadrons, possibly in Rajasthan and Srinagar, both of which are strategically important territories for the IAF in the Western and Northern sectors, respectively. The IAF expects Tejas Mk1A deliveries to begin in February 2024. It plans to receive at least six units of the upgraded fighter jet by 2025, paving the path for the formation of the first squadron of Tejas Mk1A jets.
Also read: LCA Tejas To Form Mainstay Of Indian Air Force
Although it is unknown which squadron would be established initially, the IAF’s priority is to increase its capabilities in vital zones. The Tejas Mk1A’s induction will be an important milestone in the IAF’s modernisation efforts and will improve operational preparedness.
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The Tejas Mk1 fighter planes are now operated by two squadrons, No. 18 Squadron “Flying Bullets” and No. 45 Squadron “Flying Daggers.” These squadrons are headquartered at the Sulur airbase, which is located near Coimbatore. Their principal responsibility is to train pilots for future squadrons and to develop operating tactics for Tejas jets. These squadrons are critical in refining the capabilities and experience required for the Tejas Mk1A variants to operate successfully.
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