IAF to Receive First Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jet:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive its first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet programme.
Tejas Mk1A
- The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded variant of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- This version is aimed to enhance operational and combat capabilities, survivability and maintainability over the baseline Mk1.
- Capabilities:
- Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar integration.
- Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) — radar‑warning and self‑protection jamming.
- Upgraded Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A) for better maneuverability and stability.
- Missile compatibility- Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles and Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).
- Planned integration of Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT), Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Operating Data Link (ODL) with existing onboard avionics.
LCA Tejas
- The LCA Tejas programme, initiated by the Government of India in 1984, aimed to replace the ageing MiG-21 fighter jets. The programme is managed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
- Features:
- Lightest, smallest, and tailless multi-role supersonic fighter in its class.
- Capable of carrying a variety of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and precision-guided weapons.
- Maximum payload capacity of 4000 kg.
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.8.
- Range: 3,000 km.
