India commissions second Tejas LCA fighter squadron

The HAL Tejas MK.1 FOC Light Combat Aircraft. Photo c/o David Oliver through Asian Military Review.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has commissioned a second fighter squadron that will operate the indigenous HAL Tejas Mk. 1 light combat aircraft (LCA).

The squadron, the IAF’s No. 18 “Flying Bullets” Squadron based in Sulur Air Force Station in Tami Nadu, held the activation ceremonies on 27 May 2020.

The squadron is set to receive 4 more Tejas LCA fighter aircraft soon, once the production aircraft completes pre-operational testing phase. A total of 20 Final Operational Clearance (FOC) Tejas Mk. 1 fighters consisting of 16 single-seat and 4 twin-seat trainer variant were ordered by the IAF. 

The FOC Tejas Mk.1 which has Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM) capability, aerial refuelling capability, and improve flight performance compared to earlier Initial Operation Clearance (IOC) Tejas Mk. 1 fighters operated by the No. 45 “Flying Daggers” Squadron.


[1] Jane’s
[2] Economic Times India