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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive its first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A by the end of October 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing journey under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Background

• The Tejasprogramme, initiated in 1984 and managed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was conceived to replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fighter fleet with an indigenously designed and developed multi-role combat aircraft.
• The delivery of the Tejas Mk1A comes under a ?48,000 crore contract signed in 2021 between the Indian Air Force and HAL for 83 aircraft (73 single-seaters and 10 twin-seaters). The production had been delayed primarily due to slow engine deliveries and global supply chain disruptions.

About Tejas Mk1A

The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded and advanced variant of the baseline Tejas Mk1, designed to enhance combat capability, survivability, and operational maintainability.

Key Upgrades and Capabilities

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar:Provides superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capability, improving situational awareness and strike precision.
• Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS):Equipped with radar-warning receivers and self-protection jammers, enhancing survivability against enemy radar and missile threats.
• Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A):Improves flight stability, agility, and maneuverability during high-G operations.
• Weapon Compatibility:Supports a wide range of weapons including:
  • Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles,
  • Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles, and
  • Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).
• Enhanced Avionics and Network Systems:Planned integration of Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT), Software Defined Radio (SDR), and Operational Data Link (ODL) for real-time communication and network-centric warfare.

LCA Tejas: Core Features

• Design: Lightest, smallest, and tailless multi-role supersonic fighter in its class.
• Speed: Capable of reaching Mach 1.8.
• Range: Up to 3,000 km.
• Payload Capacity:4,000 kg, supporting precision-guided and conventional munitions.
• Roles: Capable of air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.

Variants of the Tejas Family

1. Tejas Mk1: Baseline version currently operational with the IAF.
2. Tejas Trainer: Twin-seat variant for advanced pilot training and operational conversion.
3. LCA Navy: Carrier-capable single- and twin-seat variants for deck operations.
4. Tejas Navy Mk2: Phase-II version with enhanced endurance and payload for naval missions.
5. Tejas Mk1A: Improved variant with advanced avionics, weapon systems, and network capabilities.