The full realization that TEJAS will be equipped with far more serious capabilities to serve the nation has not yet set in, despite production delays and widespread criticism regarding the delivery delay of TEJAS, which was supposed to be a simple replacement of the Indian Air Force’s aging Soviet fighters. A recent image of TEJAS (LSP-18) older test aircraft with dual rack pylons is making the rounds in the media and capturing the interest of defense enthusiasts.
The TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), which India developed in-house, has changed significantly. Thanks to a combination of in-house innovation and strategic technological integration, the TEJAS is set to transform from a competent multi-role fighter into a formidable air combat platform with the upcoming MK-1A variant.
Picture a TEJAS in beast mode with the best radar in the area (900+ TR) Gan-based Uttam AESA radar that can track a stealth plane from over 150 km and four or five-generation aircraft from 200 km or more. It can also carry a load of eight to ten air-to-air missiles with a mix of Astra MK-2/MK-3/Meteors/ASRAAM and one Brahmos-NG using dual pylons!
It is arguably one of the best and most potent weapons packages available to any fighter jet in the area, giving TEJAS true multi-role flexibility from air dominance to deep-strike capability.
This increases survivability by making TEJAS hard to detect, particularly at longer BVR ranges. According to reports, TEJAS has the lowest RCS, at about 0.1 to 0.5 SQ.M., aside from true stealth fighters like the F-35.
With more than 80 MK-1A units already ordered and 97 more anticipated shortly, as well as export interest from Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, TEJAS could soon become:
India will have a strong option as a point defense aircraft and a swift and efficient aggressor thanks to TEJAS’s best-in-class RCS, the region’s best radar, the best and most varied weapon package that even the most potent Western fighters lack, 100% flexibility, and low operating costs.
Consequently, With its advanced weapons, long range, low RCS profile, and modern radar, the TEJAS MK-1A is no longer a lightweight choice but rather a heavyweight competitor in its class.
India’s sky warrior is prepared to alter the regional power dynamics in addition to defending its borders.
