The Indian Air Force will get 2 Tejas MK-1A fighter aircraft by the end of this month.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th March. Both fighter jets waiting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s next visit to Bengaluru

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will deliver the first batch of two Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft, an improved version of the indigenous LCA Tejas, to the Indian Air Force by the end of this month. Bharat’s golden era in defense aviation is going to begin this month with the maiden flight of this 4.5 generation fighter jet. Two fully equipped MK-1A fighter jets are waiting inside the LCA division for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s next visit to Bengaluru, so it could be a high profile event.

The Defense Ministry had finalized the deal with HAL on February 03, 2021 for 83 LCA Tejas MK-1A fighter jets. The first twin-seater trainer of this deal was handed over by HAL to the Air Force on October 4 last year. After a long wait, the Central Government approved the purchase of 97 more Tejas MK-1A on November 30 last year. A total of 180 aircraft are to be produced after the deal for an additional 97 Tejas MK-1A is signed with HAL. HAL had set a target of producing 16 jets per year after receiving the order for 83 aircraft, but after receiving the order for 97 more aircraft, it is planning to produce 32 jets per year.

Both Tejas Mk-1As, received in the first batch from HAL, will undergo rigorous inspection and testing before the Indian Air Force inducts them into its air fleet. In view of modern air warfare, 43 types of improvements have been made in avionics, weapons and maintenance in the LCA Tejas MK-1A fighter jet. Tejas Mk-1A will have state-of-the-art AESA radar, which will be better than the Israeli EL/M-2032 radar of Tejas Mk-1. The first batch will have Israeli EL/M-2052 radar, while the rest will have indigenous ‘Uttam’ radar. The Tejas MK-1A will have the Israeli ELL-8222 jammer pod, which will intercept the radar signals of BVR or SAM missiles.

According to HAL, the Tejas Mk-1A will have a new Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), which will boost its agility and computing power. The new DFCC will use the Power VC architecture, making it easier to remain on the air for longer periods of time. The radar warning receiver (RWR) installed in the aircraft will track and identify enemy aircraft. This receiver will warn the pilot of incoming missiles or radar lock and activate the self-protection jammer to jam enemy radar.

Tejas MK-1A will have improved close range, BVR and long range BVR missiles for combat. It will also have 500 kg LGB and unguided bombs for air-to-ground attack. To improve the maintainability of Tejas MK-1A, Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and new LRUs have been installed. On the demand of the Air Force, Tejas MK-1A has been equipped with a smart multi-function display, digital map generator, improved radio altimeter and Angad electronic warfare suite. Due to these features, Tejas MK-1A is an important milestone for Bharat’s self-reliance in fighter jet technology.