From development to deployment: The journey of Indias Tejas fighter jet

New Delhi: Tejas, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), was christened in 2003 and is one of the valuable assets of the Indian Air Force. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in defending the skies of our country against enemies. It has been developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Tejas is a multi-role platform which has been entrusted with Air Defence, Maritime Reconnaissance and Strike roles. It offers carefree handling and enhanced manoeuvrability. Its capability is further enhanced with its Multi-Mode Airborne radar, Helmet Mounted Display, Self-protection suite and Laser Designation Pod.

Tejas was first inducted into the No. 45 Squadron of the IAF, the 'Flying Daggers', in 2016. In May 2020, No. 18 Squadron became the second IAF unit to operate the Tejas.

The weapon suite of Tejas includes I-Derby ER and Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, as well as R-73, Python-5, and ASRAAM short-range missiles. It is also armed with an internal 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 twin-barrelled autocannon and is equipped with eight hardpoints. Of these, three are wet hardpoints capable of carrying drop tanks. Also, it has an aerial refuelling probe on the starboard side of the forward fuselage.

Tejas Mk-1A is the present variant of the fighter aircraft. It replaced IAF's MiG-21 fleet and has been jointly developed by HAL and ADA. It is the upgraded version of the aircraft with advanced avionics and systems, including Advanced AESA Radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array), which helps in superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities compared to traditional radars.

Also, it has the DARE Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, an externally mounted self-protection jammer for improved survivability, in-flight refuelling capability, and an Onboard Oxygen Generation System for extended endurance. Tejas Mk-1A has a modern glass cockpit. It can carry air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles, precision-guided bombs, and 3,500 kg of conventional weapons and external stores across eight hardpoints. It can reach speeds of Mach 1.8.

The Centre has sanctioned over Rs 9000 crore for the development of Tejas Mark 2, an updated and more lethal version of the aircraft. It will have a more powerful General Electric F414 INS6 engine, canards, and other modifications in the design. In the coming years, the Tejas and its future variants will form the mainstay of the Indian Air Force.