SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has unveiled plans to initiate a comprehensive upgrade and overhaul program for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Tejas Mk1 fleet starting in 2026. The initiative will focus on enhancing the operational capabilities of the older Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) variants of the Tejas Mk1, aligning them with the advanced standards of the Tejas Mk1A in a phased manner.
The Tejas Mk1, a cornerstone of India’s fighter jet fleet, has been operational with the IAF since its induction in 2016. The IOC and FOC variants, while capable, lack some of the advanced features of the Tejas Mk1A, which includes upgraded avionics, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, improved electronic warfare systems, and integration of advanced weaponry like the Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Astra missile. To bridge this capability gap, HAL’s upgrade plan will prioritize avionics enhancements over structural modifications, such as changes to the air intake, which would require extensive redesign and testing.
The phased upgrade approach will focus on integrating modern avionics suites, including advanced radar systems, enhanced cockpit displays, and improved electronic warfare capabilities, to bring the Mk1 fleet closer to the Mk1A’s performance standards. This strategy ensures cost-effectiveness and minimizes downtime for the IAF’s operational squadrons while extending the service life of the Tejas Mk1 aircraft. The overhaul, scheduled to begin in 2026, will also address wear and tear, ensuring the airframes remain mission-ready for years to come.
HAL’s decision to avoid major structural changes, such as modifying the air intake, that were carried out in the latest Tejas Mk1A, Instead, HAL aims to maximize combat effectiveness through avionics upgrades, which are critical for modern air warfare, enabling the Tejas Mk1 to operate effectively in networked and contested environments.
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