SOURCE: AFI
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program, spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has been a cornerstone of India’s indigenous defense manufacturing journey. As the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to integrate the Tejas Mk1A into its fleet, questions about the platform’s evolution have naturally arisen. In a recent interaction, Anantha Krishnan M, a seasoned defense journalist with close ties to HAL, offered intriguing insights into the potential for a Tejas Mark 1B variant, shedding light on the flexibility and adaptability that come with indigenous production.
When asked about the possibility of a Tejas Mark 1B, Krishnan’s response was both nuanced and optimistic: “It will happen. It might happen.” He pointed out that the introduction of advanced technologies, such as the indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, could serve as a catalyst for designating a new variant as LCA Mk1B. The Uttam radar, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), promises to enhance the Tejas’ situational awareness and targeting capabilities, making it a logical upgrade for future batches.
Krishnan also suggested that the IAF’s evolving requirements could drive the development of a Mark 1B or even a Mark 1C. “When the IAF feels the need to integrate something new, there are chances that the new batch might be LCA Mk1B or LCA Mk1C,” he remarked. This flexibility underscores the iterative nature of indigenous programs, where feedback from operational use can directly influence design improvements and upgrades.
One of the most compelling points raised by Krishnan is the possibility of incorporating features from the LCA Mk2—the next major variant in the Tejas family—into the later batches of the current 83-aircraft Mk1A order. “The last batches in this 83-pack might even get some features of the LCA Mk2,” he noted. The LCA Mk2, currently under development, is expected to be a more advanced platform with a higher thrust engine (GE F414), increased payload capacity, improved avionics, and enhanced stealth characteristics. Integrating select Mk2 features into the Mk1A production line could provide the IAF with a more capable aircraft without waiting for the Mk2’s full-scale production, which is projected for the late 2020s or early 2030s.
This approach highlights the advantages of indigenous manufacturing, where production lines can be adapted relatively quickly to incorporate new technologies or address operational feedback. Unlike imported platforms, where upgrades often depend on foreign vendors and lengthy approval processes, the Tejas program offers HAL and the IAF the freedom to innovate on their own terms.
Krishnan emphasized the inherent benefits of developing and producing aircraft domestically, stating, “That’s the beauty of making things at home—the freedom to upgrade, change, or discard.” This flexibility is a key advantage of the Tejas program, allowing HAL to respond to the IAF’s evolving needs without the constraints imposed by foreign partnerships or licensing agreements. Whether it’s integrating the Uttam radar, enhancing avionics, or incorporating advanced weaponry, the Tejas platform can evolve incrementally to meet operational demands.
Ultimately, Krishnan downplayed the significance of nomenclature—whether it’s called Mk1A, Mk1B, or Mk1C—emphasizing that what truly matters is the capability of the aircraft. “Finally, whatever you call it—A, B, or C—what matters is a fighting machine that will tick most of the boxes the IAF needs,” he concluded. The Tejas, in all its variants, is designed to be a multi-role fighter capable of air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions, tailored to the IAF’s specific requirements.
While the prospect of a Tejas Mk1B is exciting, it also comes with challenges. Integrating new technologies like the Uttam radar or Mk2 features into existing production lines requires careful planning to avoid disruptions in delivery schedules—a concern given HAL’s past struggles with production rates. Additionally, the IAF’s operational feedback will play a critical role in determining the scope and timeline of any new variant, as will budgetary constraints and the prioritization of resources between the Mk1A, Mk2, and other programs like the AMCA.
On the flip side, the iterative development of the Tejas offers significant opportunities. The program has already built a robust ecosystem of Indian suppliers, research institutions, and private sector partners, creating a foundation for continuous innovation. The introduction of a Mk1B or the blending of Mk2 features into Mk1A batches could also serve as a stepping stone for export opportunities, showcasing the Tejas as a versatile, cost-effective platform for other air forces.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.