The IAF had already placed an order for 40 Tejas Mk1 aircraft, of which 20 were to be in the Initial Operation Clearance and another 20 in the Final Operational Clearance configurations. Post that, the IAF was to wait for the Mk2 iteration of the Tejas aircraft. But, as an interim measure, Parrikar pushed for a Mk1A upgraded Tejas aircraft with additional capabilities so that the IAF could induct these 4.5 generation fighters to shore up its squadrons numbers.