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Tejas and Zorawar Delays Cost India Readiness; F-35s Fly with IAF, Agni-V Bunker Buster
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Firstpost•26-09-2026, 13:42
Tejas and Zorawar Delays Cost India Readiness; F-35s Fly with IAF, Agni-V Bunker Buster
- •Delays in Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets and Zorawar light tanks impact India's defense readiness, with the IAF facing squadron shortages and the Army relying on older armor.
- •The Tejas Mk-1A program faces setbacks due to engine supply issues and software integration, while the Zorawar tank's induction is pushed back by up to two years due to demands for heavier armor.
- •India is enhancing its conventional strike capabilities with Smart Anti Airfield Weapons (SAAW) and a potential Agni-V adaptation for deep penetration, targeting hardened enemy command centers.
- •The IAF is moving to replace its aging An-32 fleet with 60 Medium Transport Aircraft, with a significant portion to be built in India, boosting local manufacturing.
- •US F-35s flew with IAF jets for the first time at Tarang Shakti 2026, providing valuable insights into stealth technology, while Japan's Air Chief flew a Tejas, signaling deeper defense tech ties.
