SOURCE: AFI
In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s indigenous defense capabilities, state-run aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to deliver the first upgraded Tejas Mk1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) around March 2025. This delivery comes approximately 13 months after the aircraft’s initial flight with its enhanced avionics and systems.
The Tejas Mk1A has undergone rigorous testing and refinement since its maiden flight with the new systems, including resolving initial teething issues with the ELM 2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Fire Control Radar (FCR). HAL officials have confirmed that these issues have been addressed, ensuring the radar’s reliability and performance. Additionally, the aircraft has been equipped with software upgrades requested by the IAF, further enhancing its operational capabilities.
The delivery of the first Tejas Mk1A marks a pivotal moment as it will be accompanied by a second aircraft of the same type, facilitating the IAF’s plan to establish a new squadron at the NAL airbase in Rajasthan. This move is part of a broader strategy to phase out the aging MiG-21 Bison fleet, which has served the IAF for decades but is now considered obsolete by modern standards.
The Tejas Mk1A, an advanced iteration of the original Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), features several upgrades including:
- Advanced Avionics: Enhancing pilot situational awareness and combat effectiveness.
- AESA Radar: The ELM 2052 provides superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities.
- Electronic Warfare Suite: Offering better protection against enemy radar and missiles.
- Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile Capability: Allowing for engagements at extended ranges.