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Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jet

Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jet

Brand: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4.5th
Maximum Speed Mach 1.8
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range ~200 km (Uttam AESA)

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	HAL Tejas Mk1A
Manufacturer	Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Country of Origin	India
Type / Role	Multirole Light Fighter
Generation	4.5th
Status	In production / Entering service
First Flight	28 March 2024 (prototype)
Introduction / In Service Since	2025
Number Built	83 on order (IAF)
Operators	Indian Air Force (IAF)

Dimensions & Structure

Length	13.2 m
Wingspan	8.2 m
Height	4.4 m
Wing Area	38.4 m²
Empty Weight	6,560 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	13,500 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None (external only)
External Hardpoints	8

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.8 (2,205 km/h)
Range	3,000 km (ferry)
Combat Radius	500 km
Service Ceiling	16,000 m (52,500 ft)
Rate of Climb	213 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	1.07
G Limits	+8 / –3.5 g

Powerplant

Engine Type	GE F404-IN20 afterburning turbofan
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	84 kN (with afterburner)
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	3,060 L internal (+ drop tanks)

Armament

Gun	23 mm GSh-23 cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	Astra Mk 1/2, Derby, R-73
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Spice-2000, Crystal Maze, Harop (UCAV control capable)
Bombs	Mk-82/84, LGBs, SAAW
Hardpoints	8
Payload Capacity	5,300 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Uttam GaN-based AESA
Radar Range	200 km (class)
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Unified EW Suite (DARE)
Targeting System	Litening Pod
Helmet Display	HMDS
Navigation	GPS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Digital Fly-By-Wire
Communication	V/UHF + Indigenous Data Link

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	≈ 0.5 m²
Stealth Features	45 % composite airframe
Infrared Signature Reduction	Yes
Sensor Fusion	Yes
Networking Capabilities	Secure Indigenous Data Links

Variants

Special Export Versions

Customized for foreign clients (planned)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	None – Mk1 used in training & exercises
Notable Operators	Indian Air Force
Combat Proven?	No (Mk1A new platform)
Mission Types	Air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	≈ $48 million USD
Development Cost	≈ $2.5 billion (LCA program)
Program Name	Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
Funding Countries	India

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Mk2 with GE F414 engine & canards
Future Replacement	Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
Export Restrictions	None (‘Make in India’ program)
Notable Achievements	Uttam AESA radar now 100 % indigenous
Competitors	JF-17 Block III, Saab Gripen C/D, KAI FA-50

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

AESA radar and upgraded EW systems
Lightweight, agile composite airframe
Capable of BVR and precision strike missions
Lower operational cost versus foreign fighters
Supports network-centric operations

CONS

AESA radar and upgraded EW systems
Lightweight, agile composite airframe
Capable of BVR and precision strike missions
Lower operational cost versus foreign fighters
Supports network-centric operations

Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jet: India’s Next-Gen Lightweight Fighter

The HAL Tejas Mk1A represents the most advanced evolution of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program. Designed and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Mk1A is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter tailored for air-to-air, strike, and reconnaissance missions.

First flown on 28 March 2024, the Tejas Mk1A incorporates over 40 major upgrades from the Mk1, including the indigenous Uttam GaN-based AESA radar, a Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) by DARE, and a digital glass cockpit with Helmet-Mounted Display System (HMDS). These enhancements bring the jet to par with many Western fourth-plus-generation aircraft in situational awareness, survivability, and weapons flexibility.

Powered by a GE F404-IN20 afterburning turbofan, the Mk1A reaches Mach 1.8 and offers a combat radius of ~500 km with an extended ferry range of 3,000 km. Eight external hardpoints support a 5.3-ton payload, accommodating Astra Mk 1/2 BVR missiles, Derby, R-73, Spice-2000, and Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW).

Composites account for roughly 45 percent of its airframe, reducing radar cross-section to ~0.5 m² and enhancing agility and corrosion resistance. Indigenous subsystems now exceed 75 percent content, including the radar, flight-control computers, and data-link architecture.

With 83 aircraft on order for the Indian Air Force, deliveries began in 2025 following initial production at HAL Bengaluru and Nashik. The Mk1A will replace aging MiG-21s and supplement Mirage 2000 and Su-30 MKI fleets, strengthening India’s domestic aerospace autonomy while offering export potential to partner nations.

Variants

Field	Example
Tejas Mk1	Initial production variant
Tejas Mk1A	Upgraded avionics and radar
Tejas Mk2	Medium-weight fighter (under development)
Special Export Versions	Proposed for Malaysia, Argentina

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