India’s air defense space is convulsing in whirlwind fashion, and no story does this revolution better narrate than the debut of the HAL Tejas Mk1A. To defend air insider analysis, the Tejas is not merely a new fighter plane—no, it’s an indication of India’s deepening indigenization and technoscaping of extraterrestrial space traditionally dominated by foreign planes.
It started in the 1980s when India was about to replace its vintage MiG-21s with an all-new light, indigenous fighter aircraft. That gave rise to the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project, whereby Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) were tasked to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft for the sole Indian needs. It was half a century of perseverance before the prototype flew in 2001, and the Tejas Mk1 was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in full service in 2016.
The real jump was in the design of Tejas Mk1A, however. That is what India is capable of when vision, budget, and technology are combined. HAL has termed the achievement as a great one, the one that was achieved amidst supply chain woes across the world after contract signing in February 2021. Bengaluru’s first flight was a technical success—it was India asserting that it’s developing muscle in defense production.
And, thus, how is the Mk1A so special? Firstly, it has an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with greater range, accuracy, and multi-target capabilities. It has more user-friendly displays, improved comms, and high-tech pilot navigation aids, so that the plane is intelligent and responsive enough to be introduced into combat. The Mk1A is also able to fire beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, which will enable it to attack at range from security.
Its airframe is performance-oriented as well. Its aerodynamic advantage and utilization of advanced composites have made it lighter, yet stronger and more highly maneuverable. Its weapon-carrying capacity is sufficient with indigenously made Astra missiles carried and in-flight refueling actually doubling its operational range.
No engine was at hand while in flight. Mk1A has the GE F404 engine, which has been facing hardship owing to the disruption caused by the pandemic and the absenteeism of personnel. CMD of HAL D K Sunil noted that though this temporary glitch for this short term did exist, the supply chain has now been tuned and space for 12 engines to reach by March 2026—a milestone in being able to proceed with the production as per schedule.
This is important for the IAF, which is relying on Tejas Mk1A to replace retiring MiG-21s. A ₹48,000 crore approval for procurement of 83 aircraft and sanction of a contract for another 97, up to a total of 180 aircraft—a massive spurt over the operational strength of the air force, which has been cut down by 31 squadrons from its sanctioned strength of 42.
Compared to other light, single-engine tactical fighter combat jets like JF-17 Block III, Saab Gripen E, and F-16V, Tejas Mk1A is a cakewalk. It possesses great thrust-to-weight and is EXTREMELY agile, and its AESA radar and electronic warfare capabilities are nearly at par with some of the best suites in the West.
Its composite airframe material gives it stealth, and its survivability and maneuverability are nearly on par. Although it cannot beat the F-16 or Gripen in performance, nor can it outlast them, it is a good cost-versus-performance balance.
Export market potential is also increasing. There are interests indicated by Malaysia, Argentina, Egypt, and Indonesia to buy Tejas because it is affordable, flexible, and has free transfer and development of technology. It’s relatively a low-cost venture if acquired for around $42 million per aircraft instead of the expensive Western fighters under the terms.
Tejas project will soar high in the skies in the coming few years. Production has been increased by HAL to 16 fighters per year or 24 once supplies of engines return to normal. The Mk2 variant will feature a more powerful powerplant, a higher payload, and new weapons platforms, and the ambitious AMCA program will join Tejas as a member of the fifth-generation stealth fighter club, which will give India a voice in the world aerospace industry.