Tejas LCA Mk1A

Tejas LCA Mk1A Latest News

Tejas LCA Mk1A: GE Aerospace Begins Engine Deliveries for Delayed Programme

Why in the News?

• GE Aerospace has begun delivering F404-IN20 jet engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas LCA Mk1A fighter jets after a delay.
• The first engine was shipped from GE’s facility on March 26, 2025, and is expected to arrive in India in April.
• HAL aims to deliver 12 Tejas Mk1A jets in 2025, with production ramping up to 24 jets per year.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 31 fighter squadrons, far below the sanctioned 42.5 squadrons, highlighting the urgency of these deliveries.

About Tejas LCA Mk1A

• Tejas LCA Mk1A is an upgraded variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by HAL.
• It features over 40 improvements over the Mk1 variant, enhancing its combat capabilities, survivability, and operational efficiency.

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Key Upgrades in Tejas Mk1A

• Advanced Avionics: Equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars:
  • Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA Radar.
  • Indigenously developed Uttam AESA Radar.
• Enhanced Electronic Warfare Systems: It features a Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) and also includes an Advanced Self-Protection Jammer Pod for improved survivability.
• Digital Fly-by-Wire System: Upgraded Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A) for better maneuverability and stability.
• Weapons Capability: Nine hardpoints capable of carrying:
  • Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles.
  • Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles.
  • Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).
• Operational Efficiency: Reduced weight and improved maintainability, allowing for faster turnaround times during missions.

About the F404-IN20 Jet Engine

• The F404-IN20 engine, manufactured by GE Aerospace, powers the Tejas LCA Mk1A.
• It was originally selected in 2004 and is a high-thrust variant of the F404 engine family.
• Features higher-flow fans, single-crystal turbine blades, and specialized components tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The engine helped Tejas achieve Mach 1.1 during its first test flight in 2008. 

Tejas LCA Mk1A FAQs

Q1. What is Tejas LCA Mk1A?
Ans. It is an advanced version of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by HAL.

Q2. What are the improvements in Tejas Mk1A over the previous version?
Ans. It features upgraded avionics, an AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, and mid-air refueling capability.

Q3. How many Tejas Mk1A aircraft has the Indian Air Force ordered?
Ans. The IAF has ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, expected to be delivered by 2028.

Q4. How does the Tejas Mk1A compare with other fighter jets?
Ans. It is lighter and more cost-effective than many foreign jets but lacks stealth capabilities like 5th-gen fighters.

Source: TH