6/8(Sun) Tejas
#TejasFighterJet
#HAL
The Tejas is India’s first indigenously developed multirole light combat aircraft (LCA), designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
It’s a symbol of India’s growing aerospace and defense capabilities.
HAL Tejas Fighter Jet – Overview
Category Details
Developer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Program Name LCA (Light Combat Aircraft)
Aircraft Name Tejas (Sanskrit for “radiance” or “brilliance”)
Service Branch Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy
First Flight January 4, 2001
Operational Since 2016 (IAF No. 45 Squadron, “Flying Daggers”)
Key Features
Feature Description
Role Multirole – air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance
Generation 4.5+ Gen (with upgrades)
Weight Class Lightweight
Avionics Fly-by-wire control, glass cockpit, radar warning systems
Radar EL/M-2032 (Israeli); newer versions with AESA radar (Uttam AESA under development)
Engine General Electric F404-GE-IN20 (planned: indigenous Kaveri engine)
Speed Mach 1.8 (approx. 2,200 km/h)
Range ~1,850 km (combat range ~500 km)
Service Ceiling 52,000 ft
Weapons
•Air-to-air: R-73, Derby, Astra (Indian-made)
• Air-to-ground: Precision-guided munitions, bombs, rockets
• Laser-guided bombs, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles |
| Refueling | In-flight refueling capable (in Mk 1A and later variants) |
Variants
Variant Description
Tejas Mk1 Initial version; limited capabilities
Tejas Mk1A Upgraded version with AESA radar, better EW, longer range, refueling capability (IAF ordered 83 units)
Tejas Mk2 (MCA) Medium Combat Aircraft – larger, more powerful twin-engine fighter (in development)
Tejas Navy Naval variant with strengthened undercarriage and tailhook for carrier ops (technology demonstrator only so far)
Trainer Two-seat trainer version
Strategic Importance
• Reduces dependence on foreign fighter jets (like MiGs, Mirage, etc.)
Boosts Make in India and defense self-reliance
• Export potential: countries like Argentina, Egypt, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Philippines have shown interest
• Tejas is now being considered for global export deals, especially after successful demonstrations at airshows like Aero India and Dubai Airshow
Comparison: Tejas Mk1A vs. Other Jets
Jet Type Country Key Notes
Tejas Mk1A Light multirole India Cost-effective, homegrown tech
JF-17 Block III Light fighter Pakistan/China Cheaper, less refined avionics
F-16 Block 70 Multirole USA More mature but significantly costlier
Gripen E Multirole Sweden More advanced, similar weight class, very expensive
#F_16
#Gripen_E
Pros of Tejas
• High maneuverability
• Modern avionics and composite body (43%+ carbon fiber)
• Small radar signature
• Cost-effective (approx. $40M per unit)
• Rapid upgrades in Mk1A and Mk2
Challenges
• Delays in indigenous engine (Kaveri project)
• Limited payload and range compared to medium or heavy fighters
• Still integrating full indigenous weapon systems
• Carrier-based variant not yet fully operational
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Tejas in Action
• Air Shows: Dubai Air Show, Aero India
• Squadrons: Flying Daggers (No. 45), No. 18 Flying Bullets
• Deployment: Forward bases near China-Pakistan border (strategic high-altitude readiness)
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Would you like:
• A visual comparison chart of Tejas vs. other fighters?
• More on the Tejas Mk2 and its timeline?
• Info on export deals or offers involving Tejas?
Let me know what area you’d like to explore further.
