HAL Displays 18 Tejas Mk1A Jets Highlighting Dual ASRAAM Pylons and EW Suits, But Some Still Awaiting Critical F404 Engine Fitment

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has released a compelling visual testament to the manufacturing progress of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A programme.

Recent images from HAL's facilities display an impressive lineup of 18 single-seater Tejas Mk1A fighter jets resting on the tarmac.

This display showcases the growing industrial momentum behind the Indian Air Force's (IAF) crucial fleet upgrade, which currently includes a contracted order for 83 jets and an approved follow-on order for 97 more, aimed at replacing the IAF's ageing MiG-21 squadrons.

Among the 18 advanced fighters shown, eight have been successfully integrated with their powerplants and are classified under Category A or B readiness, putting them on the verge of final assembly and flight trials.

Conversely, the remaining airframes currently sit without engines, illustrating HAL's strategy of pushing forward with structural completion while waiting for the delivery of the essential General Electric F404-IN20 turbofan engines.

Reports indicate that global supply chain bottlenecks have caused GE Aerospace to miss recent delivery targets, temporarily grounding several fully built airframes and pushing the anticipated handover of the first operational batch to the IAF into 2026.

In addition to the extensive row of single-seat fighters, another photograph revealed two LCA two-seater trainers positioned alongside other Mk1A jets.

A major highlight in this group is the first Tejas Mk1A trainer variant, situated prominently in the top right, which is clearly outfitted with an aerial refuelling probe.

This critical modification introduces mid-air refuelling to the two-seater model, substantially increasing its flight endurance and providing the IAF with expanded operational and training flexibility.

The integration of a refuelling probe on the trainer aircraft is part of a wider series of enhancements defining the Mk1A family, which prioritises greater range, state-of-the-art avionics, and versatile multirole capabilities.

The twin-seat trainers are essential for safely transitioning pilots into the highly advanced single-seat variants, guaranteeing that the IAF maintains a steady pipeline of combat-ready aviators as the Tejas fleet rapidly expands over the coming decade.

Beyond mere production volume, the showcased aircraft also drew attention to the Tejas Mk1A’s heavily upgraded combat lethality.

One of the featured jets was seen equipped with an Advanced Self Protection Jammer (ASPJ) pod alongside a newly developed dual pylon configuration carrying Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).

This innovative dual pylon system, mounted on the outboard wing station, permits the fighter to carry two of the highly agile, 88-kg ASRAAM close-combat missiles on a single hardpoint.

This arrangement dramatically multiplies the aircraft's short-range firepower without sacrificing space for other vital payloads like precision-guided bombs or external fuel tanks.

Pairing the MBDA-designed ASRAAMs with the external ASPJ pod for electronic warfare defence clearly demonstrates the Mk1A’s modernised focus on pilot survivability and battlefield dominance.

When combined with the indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and a comprehensive electronic warfare suite, these upgrades elevate the Tejas Mk1A far beyond the capabilities of the baseline Mk1.

It is now positioned as a highly capable 4.5-generation fighter, meticulously customised to meet the rigorous demands of modern Indian aerospace defence.

Ultimately, the striking visual composition of this aircraft lineup represents far more than just a count of airframes; it signifies genuine technological maturation.

By simultaneously displaying heavily armed jets, newly upgraded trainers, and airframes progressing through serial production, HAL is sending a strong message that the programme has definitively moved past the prototype phase.

Despite the ongoing hurdles regarding foreign engine supplies, this tangible output on the tarmac serves as a clear signal of HAL’s commitment to accelerating mass production and delivering on its promises to the nation's defence forces.

 

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[atg]

So quite in here. Where the HAL haters at? Lol.

 

[Krishna with flute]

Great achievement. Though the squadrons are not operational, display of planes with dual pylon is a mind-boggling demonstration HAL's capability in this field. I foresee a bleak future of MWF. These are irresponsible crooks. Privatization of HAL is the only solution. Ask them to quite if they cannot deliver. 16 hours duty until the time line is met. No leaves.

 

[Madan]

Actions speak louder than this display of models with out any teeth. What is the purpose of this display? No jet delivered in an year after receipt of the engine speaks volumes about capabilities of HAL.

 

[Charan]

I think HAL did it's best, being a public sector company, to demonstrate its capacity. It is helpless when foreign partners fail their commitment of delivering their parts, including engines. However, it's a catastrophic mistake designing error, as the airframe is meticulously designed for GE 404 engines alone and it doesn't fit ant other brand or model. It's a kind of sabotage. Now, they cannot redesign the airframe as it would waste 2-3 years easily. I think GE knows this fact and they are playing their tricks by delaying engine deliveries to ensure that by the time all engines are delivered the aircraft itself becomes worthless due to growing role of 5th gen fighters these days.

 

[Radium]

So quite in here. Where the HAL haters at? Lol.

I really admire the optimism of Indians. In the 43 year period from 1983 to 2026, less than 60 LCA Fighters were manufactured, of which 10 had no aircraft engines and 3 crashed.

 

[atg]

I really admire the optimism of Indians. In the 43 year period from 1983 to 2026, less than 60 LCA Fighters were manufactured, of which 10 had no aircraft engines and 3 crashed.

Haha Thanks buddy, it's good to be optimistic in life.

Yeah it's quite delayed. 30 years of development compared to the Chinese 20 for the j10.

The crashes are normal within the first models of an aircrafts development. Same has been the case with f-16, mig, for the j10 might as well throw a dart in the dark because Chinese don't report much.
The tejas had 0 crashes till 24 i remember. For early development it was pretty good. (Of the three some would argue 1 was caused by the pilot and the other a runway accident) Oh well, What does it matter the planes are unusable either way.



This matters so greatly is not because it's a pretty good aircraft for it's utility and prices.

It's because this is a technical leap for the country. So many systems have been developed that were just dreams before. So many technologies have been acquired. This is a leap for india itself. Just like j-10 was for china.

Sure it's been delayed because of bureaucratic inefficiencies, IAF constantly adding new capabilities and changing requiremens, funding delays, the messy structure of the psu itself.


But still doesn't change the fact it's transformed India's technical capabilities.

I will clap for that.

If you wish to look down on it that's your prerogative

 

[KVS]

So quite in here. Where the HAL haters at? Lol.

You have my company alongside!