IAF’s Naliya Air Base Transforms into Tejas Mk1A Hub, Strengthening India’s Western Air Defences

Air Force Station Naliya, nestled in the coastal region of Gujarat, is undergoing a significant transformation as it prepares to welcome the Indian Air Force's cutting-edge Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This shift marks the end of an era dominated by the ageing MiG-21Bis and the beginning of a new chapter centred around indigenous technology, faster response capabilities, and enhanced air power near the sensitive Pakistan border.

Located less than 100 kilometres from the strategically vital Sir Creek area, Naliya has long played a critical role in guarding India’s western frontier. For decades, it served as a forward operating base for MiG-21Bis squadrons—a Cold War-era fighter that, while once formidable, has become increasingly outdated and challenging to maintain. With the IAF set to retire the entire MiG-21 fleet by the end of 2025, Naliya is now at the forefront of India's aerial modernisation drive.

The introduction of the Tejas Mk1A is not just a routine fleet update—it represents a leap in capability. Designed and manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas Mk1A comes equipped with advanced avionics, radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and mid-air refuelling. Its performance far exceeds that of the MiG-21, with better manoeuvrability, safety features, and multirole combat capabilities that make it ideal for both air defence and offensive roles.

In preparation for this major induction, the IAF has already begun laying the groundwork. The earlier version of the Tejas, known as the Mk1 with Final Operational Clearance (FOC), was deployed to Naliya, bringing along No. 18 Squadron, the “Flying Bullets.” This initial phase allowed the base to adapt its operational ecosystem—from maintenance hangars and radar installations to pilot training and logistics. It served as a testbed to streamline the infrastructure required for the more advanced Mk1A variant.

Over the last year, Naliya has seen a flurry of upgrades. Aircraft shelters have been reinforced to withstand potential blasts. Radar systems have been modernised to support long-range tracking and target acquisition. Dedicated facilities for Tejas-specific maintenance and diagnostics have been added, ensuring quicker turnaround times and operational readiness.

The proximity of the base to Pakistan—just 40 to 50 kilometres from the international border—adds a layer of urgency to these upgrades. In a region where minutes can determine the outcome of an air engagement, the speed and agility of the Tejas Mk1A offers a crucial edge. It can scramble quickly, respond more effectively to aerial threats, and operate in high-tempo conflict scenarios.

Beyond the immediate tactical benefits, the deployment of Tejas Mk1A at Naliya is a symbolic milestone for India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) defence initiative. Replacing imported Soviet-era platforms with home-grown fighter jets reflects a broader strategic goal: reducing dependency on foreign arms and building a robust domestic defence industrial base.

From a broader military perspective, the IAF’s decision to station its first Tejas Mk1A squadron at Naliya also signals a recalibration of India’s western defence posture. It reinforces the deterrent factor along the Pakistan front and improves India’s ability to respond swiftly to any incursion or provocation.

In summary, the transformation of Naliya from a MiG-21 base to a Tejas Mk1A stronghold is more than a technological upgrade—it's a shift in philosophy. It encapsulates India’s ambitions to modernise its armed forces, rely more on indigenous innovations, and prepare its military infrastructure for the challenges of modern aerial warfare. As the IAF moves towards phasing out its legacy platforms, Naliya stands as a symbol of that forward-looking future.