by Sourabh Joshi
Despite delays in production and widespread criticism about delay in delivery of TEJAS which was supposed to be mere replacement of aging Soviet fighters of Indian Airforce, recent picture of TEJAS (LSP-18) older test aircraft with dual rack pylon is going round on media capturing imagination of defence enthusiasts, full realisation that TEJAS will be packed with much more serious capabilities to
serve the nation is yet to sink in.
India’s indigenously developed TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) has undergone a significant transformation. With the upcoming MK-1A variant, the TEJAS is poised to evolve from a capable multi-role fighter into a formidable air combat platform—thanks to a combination of indigenous innovation and strategic technological integration.
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The Upgrade Arsenal: What Makes TEJAS MK-1A A Beast
The TEJAS MK-1A is not just an upgrade in name; it’s a giant leap in capability:
- Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs) – Extend operational range without compromising aerodynamics.
- Dual-Rack Pylons – Double the number of air-to-air or air-to-surface munitions without structural changes.
- Best in region GaN-Based Uttam MK-1 AESA Radar – Enables high-resolution targeting, multiple target tracking, and better resistance to jamming.
- On of the best Advanced EW Suite – For survivability in contested environments.
Imagine a TEJAS in beast mode with best radar in the region (900+ TR ) Gan based Uttam AESA radar with capabilities to track a stealth aircraft from more than 150 Kms and 4/4.5 gen aircrafts from 200 kms+, carrying load out of 8-10 air to air missile with mix if Astra MK-2/MK-3/Meteors/ASRAAM and one Brahmos-NG using dual pylons!
Most Lethal Payload Options In The Region:
With compatibility upgrades, the TEJAS MK-1A is slated to carry:
- Astra MK-2 and MK-3 – India’s premier long-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles.
- ASRAAM/Python 5-world’s most potent short-range missiles.
- BrahMos-NG – A game-changing miniaturised supersonic cruise missile for precision strikes.
- Meteor (under consideration) – For BVR dominance.
- Smart and precision-guided bombs–For ground strike operations hammer/spice/Gaurav.
- Rudram series missile for anti-radiation roles from 200km to 1000 kms: Rudram1/2/3/4.
- A possible air launch hypersonic weapon like Brahmos 2/project Vishnu missile in near future.
- Low-cost high-speed land attack missiles like ice breaker/LORA/air launch Pinaka (in works)
- Anti airfield missiles-SAW1/2 (specialised missile to attack airfields)
- Stealth subsonic air launch cruise missiles-Scalp/ Indian air option is work in progress.
- Ability to work with Loyal wingman swarm as mother ship-CAT warrior/CATs Hunter program progressing well.
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This diverse weapons package gives TEJAS true multi-role flexibility—from air dominance to deep-strike capability, its perhaps one of the best and most powerful packages available to any fighter jet in the region.
Stealth Through Design: Low Radar Cross Section
While not a stealth aircraft, the TEJAS MK-1A benefits from a very low radar cross-section (RCS) thanks to:
- Compact size
- Radar-absorbing composite materials
- Clean fuselage design with minimal frontal signature
This makes TEJAS difficult to detect—especially at longer BVR ranges—enhancing survivability, it is said that TEJAS has close to 0.1 to 0.5 SQ.M of RCS which is lowest apart from true stealth fighters like F-35.
Strategic Relevance: Power of Indigenous Backbone
The upgrades are not just tactical—they’re symbolic. With over 75% indigenous content:
- India reduces dependence on foreign platforms
- Supports the domestic rare earth and electronics ecosystem
- Enables long-term cost control and export potential
“TEJAS MK-1A isn’t just an aircraft—it’s a declaration of intent,” said an Indian Air Force official.
Looking Ahead: A Global Competitor
With over 80 MK-1A units on order / 97 more expected soon and export interest from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, TEJAS may soon become:
- A cost-effective and high-tech alternative to Gripen, F-16, and JF-17
- A steppingstone to the TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA programs
- A platform for collaborative tech innovation across the Global South
- Most Comprehensive weapon package with best-in-class Radar.
- Evolved loyal wingman ecosystem to be available with the aircraft making it more futuristic than competitors.
Conclusion
TEJAS with best-in-class RCS, best radar in the region, best and most diverse weapon package with even most powerful western fighters lack, 100% flexibility, low cost of operation will provide India with a potent option both as effective point defence aircraft and quick and effective aggressor.
Thus, Armed with a modern radar, extended range, sophisticated weapons, and a low RCS profile, the TEJAS MK-1A is no longer a lightweight option—it’s a heavyweight contender in its class.
India’s sky warrior is ready—not just to defend its borders, but to reshape the regional balance of power.
Sourabh Joshi is a defence enthusiast. This essay reflects author’s opinions alone
Agencies
