Tejas Mk-1: A Milestone Achieved, Potential Mk-1B Upgrades on the Horizon

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) marked a significant achievement with the successful test flight of the first production series Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

This milestone underscores the progress of India's ambitious program to develop and manufacture indigenous fighter jets. However, the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to desire more advanced capabilities, fueling a potential evolution of the Tejas platform.

The Tejas Mk-1A and Beyond​

The IAF plans to formally order 97 additional Tejas Mk-1A jets later this year. This variant offers improvements over the initial Tejas Mk-1, including an upgraded sensor suite and avionics.

These 97 jets are expected to be inducted into active service within the next 3-4 years, a timeframe that strategically aligns with the beginning of trials for the even more capable Tejas Mk-II.

The Mk-II design boasts a more powerful engine, increased internal fuel capacity, an AESA radar, and other enhancements.

Potential Emergence of the Tejas Mk-1B​

Ongoing discussions between HAL and the IAF are focused on the final specifications for the second batch of Tejas jets.

The IAF's drive for cutting-edge capabilities is motivating potential changes and upgrades, laying the groundwork for a possible new variant designated as the Tejas Mk-1B.

Specific areas of consideration include enhanced avionics and other modifications to ensure the fighter remains relevant to the IAF's long-term strategic needs.

Tejas: A Symbol of India's Defence Ambitions​

The Tejas program embodies India's growing aspiration for self-reliance in defense technology.

The success of the Tejas Mk-IA, along with the ongoing development of the Mk-II variant, demonstrates India's capability to design and produce advanced fighter aircraft.

The continued evolution of the Tejas platform through potential variants like the Mk-1B signals India's commitment to a robust, indigenously developed air combat capability.

 

[Pink Panther]

Whole heartedly agree.

This is the only way we can make them fast, there is absolutely no other option, this way the private company will also earn valuable knowledge of jet making and could be used in all future projects to share the load of HAL.

 

[kumar]

Apparently, those changes were not requested by IAF top brass, at least not immediately. So somebody screwed up and approved such changes at last minute before delivery. Under no circumstances such wholesale changes to canopy or flight computer should have ever been accommodated. It screws up logistic supply chain and not only increases the cost of production but also is responsible for delays. Thats why the people involved in clearing those changes be it in DRDO, HAL or IAF need to be booted out ASAP.

Why will HAL or drdo change canopy without IAF specifying the same, especially at last minute. Everybody involved knows the problem it will cause in production. That's why I am saying, that our armed forces are also pretty good in asking for last minute changes. Be it IAF or IA.

 

[Akhil]

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/centre-more-tejas-jets-light-combat-choppers-mega-defence-deal-9048652/

Another important factor. AoN has already been granted. And it mentions Mk1a by name. So this whole thing is a fantasy.

I read the article and it said that "no major change" will be made. Now define major change.

MK1 to MK1A had only 4 major changes. There is no mention of how many minor changes IAF has asked. They could have asked for 1 or a 1000 for all we know.
So again, your whole propaganda is a fantasy.

 

[Benith Israel]

The mk1b varient will not come before 2028-29, so by that time, there's high probability that we will be able to develop a sufficient engine with enough thrust.

Your hope will not manifest into reality. A new kaveri afterburner is needed for the stated goal of 85-90 kn. Design and development might take 5 years if Godrej does it. Testing, improving and certifying takes takes 5 more years. These kind of over Simplification of complex supply chains and logistics disregarding scientific thought process is the reason for all our delays. Tejas mk1 was almost written off because GTRE could not finish development of kaveri before IOC. When more power was needed for tejas mk1 instead of reducing weight of airframe or upgrading f404 to f414, DRDO did it's babu giri to fund a new program called Tejas mk2. They could have modified the intakes and put in f414 and the damn thing fly in 2015. Tejas mk2 is a redundant program due to long time taken just for paperwork.

 

[ajay bhaskar]

No Any new development or changes the airforce wants should be intimated to HAL ADA OR DRDO immediately. This is what is called KAIZAN. The production should start but the changes can be done slowly and steadily. That is why mk1b is there. Very good work by HAL ADA AND DRDO. Keep on giving improvements changes or upgrades and with both the parties THE AIR FORCE AND HAL ADA AND DRDO should mutually come to an agreement. Also never ever shy to communicate to Air Force about the desired changes. Remember MORE THE COMMUNICATION THE BETTER THE OUTCOME TO THE PROBLEMS.