SOURCE: AFI
A significant advancement in India’s indigenous fighter jet program was recently highlighted with the emergence of images showcasing the Tejas Mk1A equipped with a Dual-Pylon configuration carrying Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM). The images, first published by the Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org) during Aero India 2025, captured the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 on static display, demonstrating its enhanced armament capabilities. The integration of the Dual-Pylon, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Mk1A program, marks a pivotal step in boosting the aircraft’s combat flexibility and operational effectiveness.
The Tejas Mk1A, an advanced variant of India’s homegrown light combat aircraft, has been designed to address the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) need for a modern, multirole fighter capable of operating in contested environments. The introduction of the Dual-Pylon configuration for the ASRAAM, a highly agile, infrared-guided missile developed by MBDA, significantly enhances the aircraft’s air-to-air combat capabilities. By allowing two ASRAAM missiles to be mounted on a single hardpoint, the Dual-Pylon frees up other hardpoints on the aircraft, enabling it to carry a wider array of armaments, including bombs, precision-guided munitions, or additional air-to-air missiles.
The ASRAAM, known for its high speed and advanced imaging infrared seeker, provides the Tejas Mk1A with superior close-combat engagement capabilities, making it a formidable platform against enemy aircraft and drones. The Dual-Pylon configuration not only increases the missile payload but also optimizes the aircraft’s mission flexibility, allowing it to adapt to diverse operational scenarios, from air superiority missions to ground attack roles.
The first public glimpse of the Tejas Mk1A with the Dual-Pylon ASRAAM configuration came during Aero India 2025, held in Bengaluru. The aircraft, displayed as part of HAL’s static exhibit, drew significant attention from defense enthusiasts, analysts, and military officials. The images published by idrw.org underscored HAL’s progress in enhancing the Tejas platform, aligning with India’s broader push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The static display highlighted the Tejas Mk1A’s sleek design and its integration of advanced systems, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, upgraded avionics, and improved electronic warfare capabilities. The addition of the Dual-Pylon further demonstrated HAL’s focus on maximizing the aircraft’s combat potential while maintaining its lightweight, agile profile.
HAL is also reportedly developing a Dual-Pylon configuration for the Astra Mk1 and Mk2 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVR-AAM). The Astra, an indigenous missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a key component of India’s air combat arsenal, offering long-range engagement capabilities. The integration of a Dual-Pylon for the Astra missiles, expected to be incorporated into the Tejas Mk1A at a later stage, will further enhance the aircraft’s ability to engage targets at extended ranges, complementing its close-combat capabilities with the ASRAAM.
The Tejas Mk1A, with its Dual-Pylon configuration, represents a critical step in modernizing the IAF’s fighter fleet. With a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons but currently operating fewer than 30, the IAF is under pressure to bridge its capability gap, particularly in light of regional security challenges posed by China and Pakistan. The Tejas Mk1A, with its enhanced avionics, weaponry, and now the Dual-Pylon capability, is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing this shortfall.
The ability to carry additional missiles or munitions without sacrificing hardpoints allows the Tejas Mk1A to undertake a broader range of missions, from air defense to precision strikes. This flexibility is particularly valuable in contested environments, where the IAF may need to counter advanced fighters like China’s J-20 or Pakistan’s JF-17. The integration of indigenous systems like the Astra missile further reduces India’s dependence on foreign suppliers, aligning with the government’s self-reliance goals.
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