India's growing strength in aerospace technology is on full display in a newly released poster of the Tejas Mk2, the next generation of the domestically produced Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
The image showcases the aircraft's enhanced design and impressive array of weapons, highlighting its evolution into a versatile, multi-role fighter jet ready to meet the demanding operational needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Tejas Mk2, an upgraded version of the LCA Tejas, is a joint project of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It features improved avionics, a more powerful engine, and a greater capacity for carrying weapons.
The Mk2 is intended to fill the operational space between the current Tejas Mk1A and the planned Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter also under development.
The newly released poster provides a clear view of the Mk2's powerful weaponry and structural improvements, solidifying its place as a vital component of India's air defense.
A Powerful and Versatile Weapons Package
The poster of the Tejas Mk2 displays a carefully selected weapons configuration, demonstrating its ability to perform air-to-air combat, ground attacks, and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) with accuracy and adaptability. The aircraft is shown carrying the following:- Astra Missiles (3): These Indian-made, beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, developed by DRDO, come in several variants. The Astra Mk1 has a range of 110 km, while the Astra Mk2 is designed to reach targets between 130 and 160 km away. The poster suggests the potential use of the Astra Mk3 (also known as Gandiva), which is reported to have an impressive 340 km range, surpassing competitors like China's PL-15 and the U.S. AIM-174. According to the DRDO, the Astra missile family utilizes radar-guided technology for high accuracy and all-weather capability.
- ASRAAM Missiles (2): The Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), developed in the United Kingdom, improves the Tejas Mk2's ability to engage in close-range aerial combat. These missiles, typically placed on the aircraft's wingtips, offer a quick response to threats from agile enemy aircraft.
- SAAW Units (4): The Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), another DRDO product, is a precision-guided weapon created to disable enemy runways and related infrastructure. The four SAAW units, with their 100 km range, emphasize the Mk2's capability in ground-attack missions.
- RudraM-II Missile (1): This air-to-surface anti-radiation missile, also from DRDO, is designed to target enemy radar and communication systems, playing a critical role in SEAD operations. The RudraM-II, with a range exceeding 200 km, enhances the Tejas Mk2's ability to neutralize enemy air defenses.
- Drop Tanks: The aircraft is shown with a 1,700-liter and a 1,350-liter drop tank, significantly increasing its operational range and flight time. These external fuel tanks allow the Tejas Mk2 to operate further into enemy territory.
- TARA 250: This appears to be a newly integrated system, potentially a 250 kg precision-guided munition or bomb. While specific details are limited, its presence indicates a further expansion of the Mk2's ground-attack capabilities.
- Litening LDP (Laser Designation Pod): The Litening LDP is a well-established targeting pod that improves the aircraft's ability to deliver precision strikes in all weather conditions, day or night. It provides laser guidance for bombs and missiles, ensuring accurate targeting. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the manufacturer of the Litening pod, states that it provides real-time, high-resolution imagery for target identification and tracking.
This innovative design feature increases the aircraft's weapon-carrying options without negatively affecting its aerodynamic performance. These chin-mounted hardpoints could potentially carry bombs like the DRDO's High-Speed Low-Drag (HSLD) series or other lightweight PGMs.
This comprehensive weapons loadout establishes the Tejas Mk2 as a genuine multi-role platform. It can engage enemy aircraft at long distances with Astra missiles, defend itself in close combat with ASRAAMs, and attack ground targets using SAAW, RudraM-II, and other precision-guided munitions.
The extended range from the drop tanks allows for deep-penetration strikes, and the Litening LDP ensures accurate strikes in all weather conditions.
