- LSP upgraded to Mark1A standard will fly in end of 2022.
- Operational Mark1A for delivery will roll out in mid-2023.
This story is first broken by Anatha Krishnan on Tarmak007
If I heard & interpreted it correctly;
1. First Flight of Tejas Mk1A LSP: Last Quarter of 2022-23 i.e. In the Year 2023 (Jan-Feb-March are the last months of fiscal followed in India).
2. Two LSPs will be build for testing and certification of sub-systems
3. The Testing itself could last for 6-9 Months
4. First Roll-Out of Production standard early 2024
5. First Hand over to Last Aircraft Roll Out: 6 Years i.e. 2030
IMO, this time line has considered risk factors coming from mating of new systems in Tejas. I believe, if they are offered carrot of more order; probably they will ramp up their rate of production (Remote chance given the HAL track record).
My apprehension comes for MWF by seeing such stretched time line. I have high hopes from MWF. Wish they could develop & deliver it on time.