Starting 2026, HAL to Overhaul Tejas Mk1 Jets with Mk1A's AESA Radar, Improved Displays, and EW Suites

State-owned aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced plans to commence a significant upgrade and overhaul programme for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of Tejas Mk1 fighter jets, beginning in 2026.

This initiative aims to bolster the operational capabilities of the earlier Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) versions of the Tejas Mk1. The upgrades will be implemented in stages, bringing these aircraft closer to the more advanced standards of the Tejas Mk1A variant.

The Tejas Mk1, a critical asset in India's aerial defence, has been serving the IAF since its first squadron was formed in 2016. The initial IOC and subsequent FOC versions, while effective, do not possess some of the sophisticated systems found in the newer Tejas Mk1A.

The Mk1A features superior avionics, an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for improved target detection and tracking, enhanced electronic warfare (EW) systems for better self-protection and disruption of enemy systems, and the capability to integrate cutting-edge weaponry such as the Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Astra missile.

To address this technological difference, HAL's upgrade strategy will primarily focus on enhancing the aircraft's electronic systems rather than undertaking extensive structural changes, like modifying the air intake, which would involve considerable redesign and testing efforts.

The upgrade process will be carried out in phases, concentrating on integrating modern avionics packages. This includes fitting advanced AESA radar systems, improved cockpit displays for better situational awareness for pilots, and more capable electronic warfare suites.

Such enhancements will significantly elevate the Mk1 fleet's performance to levels comparable with the Tejas Mk1A. This approach is designed to be cost-effective and aims to keep the aircraft out of service for the shortest possible time, thereby maintaining the IAF's operational readiness.

The overhaul, set to start in 2026, will also address the routine wear and tear on the aircraft, ensuring the airframes remain fully operational and mission-capable for an extended service life.

HAL's decision to prioritise avionics upgrades over major structural modifications, such as those seen in the latest Tejas Mk1A related to its air intake, is a strategic one. The company intends to maximise the combat effectiveness of the existing Mk1 fleet through these critical electronic enhancements.

Advanced avionics are vital for success in contemporary air warfare, enabling the Tejas Mk1 to operate effectively in complex, networked battle environments and contested airspaces.

This upgrade programme aligns with India's broader goal of modernising its armed forces and strengthening its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

 

[Mayank393]

Which AESA radar is going to be fitted in the Tejas Mk1 — the Israeli ELTA radar or India's Uttam radar?

 

[Thyhandsonus Lyngdoh]

India’s overdependence on HAL is a textbook example of how monopolies kill innovation. HAL’s sluggish pace—epitomized by the decades-long Tejas program—is not just a bureaucratic hiccup, it’s a structural failure. Compare this to the U.S., where competition among aerospace giants like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing has historically driven rapid innovation. The ATF program in the late '80s, which produced the F-22 and the YF-23, is a perfect example. The YF-23, although ultimately losing to the F-22, was arguably the superior airframe in speed, range, and stealth. That level of technological advancement came not from a monopoly, but from head-to-head competition.

Even Russia shows the dangers of complacency in military aviation. The once-legendary MiG design bureau lost relevance after the Cold War, while Sukhoi surged ahead with fighters like the Su-27, Su-30, and Su-57. Sukhoi had better designs, more political favor, and dominated funding pipelines. MiG was left to decay with underwhelming successors like the MiG-29SMT or the abandoned MiG-1.44. With no serious competition, even Sukhoi now moves at a glacial pace—the Su-57 is still not widely operational, and export interest is limited.

India risks the same fate if HAL remains unchallenged. The Tejas Mk1 entered service in such limited numbers it barely qualifies as an operational fleet. Meanwhile, timelines for AMCA and the TEDBF continue to slip. Private aerospace players in India, like Tata and Mahindra, are capable of more but get sidelined in favor of HAL’s historical dominance.

If India wants to field world-class fighters, it must create an ecosystem like America’s—with rival firms, overlapping projects, and competitive prototypes. Without that pressure, HAL will keep delivering yesterday’s tech tomorrow—while our adversaries fly circles around us.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s essential they focus more on the internal technology and equipment upgrade rather than any structural changes and upgrades as that will take longer to certify and cost more money.

However, while upgrading the earlier variants they should make sure that it doesn’t effect their manufacturing capacity or delay making the Tejas MK1A.

 

[vamkris]

Tejas Mk1, Tejas Mk2, Sukhoi 30MKI, and AMCA shall use Virupaksha radars and AL-41 or AL-51 equivalent having thrust of minimum 98kN to 150kN. Replace Tejas Mk1 engine with engine used for Tejas Mk1A and replace engine used for Tejas Mk1A with engine used for Tejas Mk2.

 

[Gary]

What is required is infrastructure and finances. We are financial shy and get stuck on per unit price of equipment. Defence of the country can't be counted in terms of money. We need a wider industrial defence base and seperate and easy financing base to draw in more partners in the game of defence production. Why should HAL be involved in aircraft upgraded, it should be handed over to a civil partner. We are stuck in narrow alleys of production, infrastructure and financing. Infusing financial blood into the system will have the desired effect. HAL has shackled itself.

 

[Mahesh Sharma]

India’s overdependence on HAL is a textbook example of how monopolies kill innovation. HAL’s sluggish pace—epitomized by the decades-long Tejas program—is not just a bureaucratic hiccup, it’s a structural failure. Compare this to the U.S., where competition among aerospace giants like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing has historically driven rapid innovation. The ATF program in the late '80s, which produced the F-22 and the YF-23, is a perfect example. The YF-23, although ultimately losing to the F-22, was arguably the superior airframe in speed, range, and stealth. That level of technological advancement came not from a monopoly, but from head-to-head competition.

Even Russia shows the dangers of complacency in military aviation. The once-legendary MiG design bureau lost relevance after the Cold War, while Sukhoi surged ahead with fighters like the Su-27, Su-30, and Su-57. Sukhoi had better designs, more political favor, and dominated funding pipelines. MiG was left to decay with underwhelming successors like the MiG-29SMT or the abandoned MiG-1.44. With no serious competition, even Sukhoi now moves at a glacial pace—the Su-57 is still not widely operational, and export interest is limited.

India risks the same fate if HAL remains unchallenged. The Tejas Mk1 entered service in such limited numbers it barely qualifies as an operational fleet. Meanwhile, timelines for AMCA and the TEDBF continue to slip. Private aerospace players in India, like Tata and Mahindra, are capable of more but get sidelined in favor of HAL’s historical dominance.

If India wants to field world-class fighters, it must create an ecosystem like America’s—with rival firms, overlapping projects, and competitive prototypes. Without that pressure, HAL will keep delivering yesterday’s tech tomorrow—while our adversaries fly circles around us.

Rightly said. There is need to add more partners to speed up the indiginous developmental process if India wishes to remain in contest n context as well. Competition among companies will only pave way for fast, reliable, quick solution to our otherwise snails pace strategic growth n development.