Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is a single-engine, delta-wing, multi-role aircraft. The initial objective of developing Tejas was to replace IAF’s ageing fleet of MiG 21. However, as successive tests were flown and the aircraft got its Initial Operational Clearance and Final Operational Clearance, Tejas was brought into the gamut of IAF’s overall force modernization programme.
On 1 July 2023, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) completed seven years of service in the Indian Air Force. Christened Tejas in 2003, the aircraft was designed by the Indian Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre of HAL. The Fighter ranks amongst the best in its class. It can undertake Air Defence, Maritime Reconnaissance and Strike roles. The inherently unstable Tejas offer enhanced manoeuvrability. Tejas’ capability is further enhanced with its Multi-Mode Airborne Radar, Helmet Mounted Display, Self-protection suite and Laser Designation Pod.
Currently, Tejas has three models to include Mark1, Mark IA and the Trainer version. The IAF has ordered a total of 123 Tejas fighters, including 73 MK 1A and 10 MK 1 Trainers. LCA Mk-1A will have updated avionics, an Active Electronically Steered Radar, an updated Electronic Warfare suite and a Beyond Visual Range missile capability. The new variant will be capable of firing a plethora of weapons from increased stand-off ranges. Many of these weapons will be of indigenous origin.
The aircraft engine is the most critical component of the aircraft. It becomes all the more important for India since the Indian Kaveri engine experiment has not matured enough to power the Tejas. It has led to the procurement of General Electric’s F 404 engines. Since 2006 an upgraded F 404 engine has been used in Tejas.
The recent visit of Prime Minister Modi to the US has paid rich dividends for the Defence sector. Amongst the major agreements and memorandums signed are those on General Atomic’s MQ 9 Remotely Piloted Vehicles and General Electric’s latest engine, the F 414. For the Tejas Mk 1A, HAL has placed an order for 97 engines. The heavier Tejas Mk 2 should be utilising the GE 414.
A relatively large number of countries have shown interest in the Tejas aircraft. Egypt, the USA (as a lead-in Fighter Trainer), and Botswana are prominent among these.
The IAF has showcased India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities by displaying the aircraft at various international events, including LIMA-2019 at Malaysia, Dubai Air Show-2021, Sri Lanka Air Force anniversary celebrations in 2021, Singapore Air Show- 2022 and Aero India Shows from 2017 to 2023. Tejas Fighters have participated in exercises with foreign air forces. Ex-Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates in March 2023 was the Tejas’ maiden exercise on foreign soil.
All these activities have enhanced other air forces’ interests ins. While undertaking marketing efforts, an inevitable question faced by Indian companies is whether or not the Indian forces have accepted the equipment. HAL’s relatively large order book, with the IAF ordering 123 aircraft, would certainly carry due weightage.
Looking forward to the trajectory Tejas is scheduled to fly, the Tejas Mk 2 is the all-important platform that the IAF awaits. Tejas Mk 2 is a heavier model. It should have the more powerful F 414 engine, which will enhance its performance and increase its carrying capacity along with a slew of improvements in its radar and Electronic Warfare equipment on board.
The HAL Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) has subsumed the LCA Navy program. It will be a canard delta wing, twin-engine, carrier-based, multirole combat aircraft. The TEDBF’s multiple roles include air supremacy, access denial and interdiction. The aircraft is expected to replace the MiG-29K on board Indian Aircraft Carriers.
The Light Combat Aircraft programme, especially the models expected to be rolled out like the Tejas Mk 2 and TEDBF, are important milestones HAL needs to attain in the planned timeframe to ensure the smooth modernisation of the forces with an indigenous flavour. These models meeting the defined qualitative requirements are important for our technology development and absorption. If the engagement for F 414 engine materialises early, HAL should be able to deliver these platforms and progress our force modernisation substantially.
Team BharatShakti
