HAL Tejas

The HAL Tejas ( ) is an Indian single-engine, 4.5 generation, delta wing, multirole combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy. The aircraft made its first flight in 2001 and entered into service with the IAF in 2015. It is the smallest and lightest of the supersonic fighter jets of its generation. The aircraft was officially named as Tejas in 2003. The name means 'radiance' or 'brilliance' in Sanskrit, and continued an Indian tradition of choosing Sanskrit-language names for both domestically produced and imported combat aircraft. Tejas is the second jet powered combat aircraft developed by HAL, after the HF-24 Marut. It has two production combat variants – Mark 1 and Mark 1A apart from trainers. In 2016, the Mark 1 aircraft had an indigenous content of 59.7% by value and 75.5% by the number of line replaceable units, which was increased in the 1A variant. , the IAF has about 30 Mark 1 aircraft and six trainers in its inventory across two squadrons. The first squadron, No. 45 Squadron IAF (Flying Daggers) became operational in 2016 and is based at Sulur in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The second squadron, No. 18 Squadron IAF (Flying Bullets) is based at Naliya in Gujarat in Western India.…

The HAL Tejas ( ) is an Indian single-engine, 4.5 generation, delta wing, multirole combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy. The aircraft made its first flight in 2001 and entered into service with the IAF in 2015. It is the smallest and lightest of the supersonic fighter jets of its generation. The aircraft was officially named as Tejas in 2003. The name means 'radiance' or 'brilliance' in Sanskrit, and continued an Indian tradition of choosing Sanskrit-language names for both domestically produced and imported combat aircraft. Tejas is the second jet powered combat aircraft developed by HAL, after the HF-24 Marut. It has two production combat variants – Mark 1 and Mark 1A apart from trainers. In 2016, the Mark 1 aircraft had an indigenous content of 59.7% by value and 75.5% by the number of line replaceable units, which was increased in the 1A variant. , the IAF has about 30 Mark 1 aircraft and six trainers in its inventory across two squadrons. The first squadron, No. 45 Squadron IAF (Flying Daggers) became operational in 2016 and is based at Sulur in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The second squadron, No. 18 Squadron IAF (Flying Bullets) is based at Naliya in Gujarat in Western India. The IAF has 141 combat aircraft of the Mark 1A type on order, in addition to 41 trainers. The IAF plans to procure at least 324 aircraft or 18 squadrons of Tejas in all variants, including the heavier Tejas Mark 2 which is currently being developed.

Development

LCA programme

In the 1980s, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had been operating ageing fighter aircraft such as the MiG-21. The MiG-21 had been the mainstay of the IAF since 1963, and the IAF had operated 874 of these aircraft in the past. The Long Term Re-Equipment Plan of 1981 of the Ministry of Defence noted that most of these fighter aircraft were approaching the end of their service lives by the early-1990s, and that by 1995, the IAF would be 40 percent short of the aircraft needed to fill its projected force structure requirements. In 1983, the Government of India established the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme with the initial goal of developing a new light combat aircraft to replace the ageing fleet of the IAF. In 1984, the government established the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to manage the LCA programme. The ADA was entrusted with the design and development of LCA while Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was chosen as the principal contractor. The government's requirements for the aircraft included the following: fly-by-wire flight control system, multi-mode pulse-doppler radar, and afterburning turbofan engine. The project definition phase commenced in October 1986. French company Dassault-Breguet acted as a consultant for the design and system integration of the planned aircraft. Kota Harinarayana was appointed as the director and chief designer of the LCA programme. While the project was initially conceived to replace the MiG-21 aircraft, the Minister of Defence told the Indian Parliament in 2021 that the aircraft is no longer considered as a replacement for the MiG-21, and is part of a general IAF fleet modernisation programme.

Prototypes and testing

On 4 January 2001, the first technology demonstrator (TD-1) successfully achieved flight. The second such aircraft (TD-2) began testing in 2003. The first production variant (PV-1) made its maiden flight in 2003. The first trainer variant (PV-5) was rolled out in 2009 and made its first flight on 26 November 2009. A total of two trainer prototypes were built and designated PV-5 and PV-06. The first naval prototype, designated NP-1, made its first flight on 27 April 2012. It was a twin-seater aircraft, while the second naval prototype, designated as NP-2, was a single seater. Both naval prototypes were used extensively for various aircraft carrier-related trials at the Shore Based Test Facility in Goa. NP-2 was used in the actual carrier trials, where it made an arrested recovery and ski-jump assisted take-off from the aircraft carrier in January 2020. tanker]] The first Limited Series Production aircraft (LSP-1) performed its maiden flight on 25 April 2007. A total of seven limited series production (LSP) aircraft were built. The LSPs were extensively used for developmental trials such as weapon testing – involving test firing of the R-73 and Python-5 close combat missiles, the I-Derby ER beyond visual range air-to-air missile and guided–unguided munition releases. The LSPs were also used for sensor trials involving integration and testing of the Israeli Elta EL/M-2032 multi-mode radar, and EL/M-2052 AESA radar, and the Indian Uttam AESA Radar and Rafael Litening targeting pod. The Uttam radar was integrated on the Tejas LSP-2 and LSP-3, and logged about 30 hours of flight testing on the Tejas alone. The high altitude trials and hot weather trials were carried out with the LSPs and the PV-3 prototype, in IOC and FOC configurations. These trials were mainly focused on assessing the performance of the various sensors and avionics on board, at temperatures ranging from below -10 degree Celsius to more than +45 degrees Celsius. Sea trials to assess the radar performance in air-to-air and air-to-sea modes at various altitudes were carried out in 2010. Flutter vibration tests were also carried out in different configurations at high angle of attack (AoA) to assess the structural integrity across the flight envelope. LSP-4 completed the successful trial of BDL developed Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS) with R-73 missile on 2 December 2010. It worked well Open Architecture Mission Computer and Digital Stores Management System. In the second half of 2012, the Tejas fleet was grounded for over three months and the ejection system had to be modified to resume flight tests by the end of 2012. In 2013, Tejas (LSP-7) conducted an inflight engine relight test at high altitude to assess the engine response on flameout, a critical parameter for operational clearance. The inflight engine relight test is crucial for single engine combat aircraft. On 15 April 2023, HAL received a flight clearance certificate for the Aircraft Mounted Accessory Gear Box (AMAGB) bearings and power take-off shaft. The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) also gave clearance for the pre-production of landing gear seals developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) and Fluoro Carbon Seals Limited.

Operational clearance

stationed at Sulur Air Force Station]] In December 2006, the IAF announced that it would form an "LCA Induction Team" to manage the aircraft's service introduction. The Tejas was awarded initial operational clearance-I (IOC-I) in January 2011. To ease up the process of FOC, an interim IOC-II was issued to Tejas in December 2013. The IOC-II expanded the g-limit, angle of attack and allowed the aircraft to carry precision guided munitions and close combat missiles. The IOC-II Tejas have an operational radius of . The first squadron, consisting of Tejas in IOC-II configuration, became operational in 2016. The No. 45 Squadron IAF based at Sulur Air Force Station, Coimbatore was the first to have their MiG-21s replaced by Tejas aircraft at the base. The FOC campaign began in December 2014. Two critical parameters set by IAF for FOC clearance was expansion of angle of attack from 24 degree in IOC-II to 28 degree in FOC and inflight refueling capability. In February 2018, as part of the FOC campaign, the Tejas carried out a "hot refuelling" - refuelling with engine running, which shortens the turnaround time by 30% and doubles the sortie rate. In September 2018, the Tejas successfully completed its mid-air refuelling trials required for the aircraft to obtain its FOC. In January 2019, HAL received permission from CEMILAC to start production of the FOC standard Tejas. On 20 February 2019, during the Aero India 2019 show, FOC was formally awarded to the Tejas. The HAL handed over the FOC certificate to the then Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa at the Yelahanka Air Force base. After the formal ceremoney, ACM Dhanoa stated that Tejas was "ready" and "behaved like a true fighter". The second Tejas squadron – No.18 Flying Bullets was formed at Sulur Air Force Station on 27 May 2020 with the first four serial production FOC aircraft. A full mission simulator (FMS) phase-1 was commissioned at Sulur Air Force Station on 23 October 2021. Phase 1 of the FMS features training in aircraft handling and full envelope flying. Phase 2 will further augment the training with focus on weapons system and advance sensors onboard Tejas. File:LCA Navy onboard Vikrant.jpg|Tejas catching the wire on File:Tejas takeoff from INS Vikrant with afterburner on.jpg|Tejas takeoff from File:LCA Tejas maiden landing onboard INS Vikrant (R11).webm|Tejas landing onboard File:LCA Navy maiden take-off from INS Vikrant (R11).webm|Tejas take off from File:Tejas on INS Vikrant ready for takeoff.jpg|Tejas on 's flight deck

Program costs

Development costs

LCA Programme - (up to March 2020) Kaveri engine programme - additional design and development (Jan 2021)

Flyaway costs

for IOC Mark 1 (2014) for FOC Mark 1 (2010) for Mark 1A and for export variant (2021)

Design

Overview

The Tejas is a single-engine multirole combat aircraft which has a tailless, compound delta wing design with "relaxed static stability" for enhanced manoeuvrability and agility. The Tejas is a multi-role combat aircraft and its flexibility permits it to carry out Interception, air-to-surface and anti-shipping roles in a single mission. The wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics analysis have optimised the design of Tejas for minimum transonic and supersonic wave drag, as well low wing-loading. Tejas has eight hardpoints – one beneath the port-side air-intake, one under the fuselage (centreline station) and three hardpoints under each wing, of these, three are wet hardpoints which can carry drop tanks. The hardpoint beneath the port side air-intake is dedicated to carrying sensor pods such as FLIR, IRST or laser rangefinder/designator. These can also be carried on the centreline pylon and inboard pairs of wing stations. It has an aerial refuelling probe on the starboard side of the forward fuselage. The Tejas weapon suite consists of I-Derby ER and Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missiles and R-73, Python-5 and ASRAAM close combat missiles. The Tejas has an internal 23 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 twin-barreled autocannon under the starboard side air-intake. The BrahMos-NG supersonic cruise missile is being developed for the Tejas. The relatively smaller size, extensive use of airframe composites, the Y-duct inlet which shields the engine compressor blades, the application of radar-absorbent material (RAM) coatings and so on, reduces the overall radar cross-section of the aircraft.

Airframe

Apart from aluminium-lithium alloys and titanium alloys, carbon-fibre composite materials are used in the construction of the Tejas. The composite materials constitute 45% of the airframe by weight and 90% by surface area, the highest among contemporary aircraft. The upper and lower wing surfaces, wing spars and wing ribs are also made out of carbon-fibre composites, while the fin tip is made out of fiberglass. The extensive use of composite materials in the airframe not only makes the aircraft lighter but also gives high strength. This also reduces the number of joints or rivets, increases the aircraft's structural integrity and lowers its susceptibility to fatigue cracks. The tailfin is a monolithic honeycomb structure, reducing the manufacturing cost by 80% compared to traditional methods. Initially, the Tejas prototypes were equipped with a radome made out of Kevlar which was replaced with a quartz radome in the production aircraft. In July 2026, it was confirmed that the R&DE(E) of DRDO has completed the development of an indigenous quartz radome for LCA Mk1A and has successfully underwent all necessary structural, mechanical and electromagnetic performance trials and is now ready for transfer to industry for production. The final evaluation under flight trials are underway. The radomes were so far sourced from Cobham Limited. The naval LCA has a nose droop to provide improved view for carrier landings. In addition to the elevons, the naval LCA has wing leading–edge vortex controllers (LEVCON) control surfaces that extend from the wing-root leading edge, which could be deflected to a downward angle or an upward angle to increase lift and reduce airspeed during approach. The LEVCONs also provides better low-speed handling and increase controllability at high angles of attack (AoA). The naval Tejas also has a strengthened undercarriage, stronger landing gear, and an arrestor hook system for carrier landings. The two-seat LCA Navy variant (NP-1) have aerodynamic commonality with the trainer variant. The Secondary Flight Control of Tejas Mk 1A consists of an indigenously designed Leading Edge Slats and Airbrake Control Module. Aeronautical Development Agency, on 19 April 2024, delivered the first batch of these flight control system. These flight control systems features "state-of-the-art Servo-Valve based electro-hydraulic servo actuators and control modules." The technology is ready to be integrated with production variants of Tejas Mk 1A as it successfully completed flight trials. These are being produced at Accessories Division, HAL, Lucknow.

Avionics

The avionics of the Tejas Mark 1 is centered around the Elta EL/M-2032 radar. Its digital flight control computer developed by ADE and manufactured BEL. It has an electronic warfare (EW) suite domestically developed by Defence Avionics Research Establishment, which consists of a radar warning receiver (RWR), integrated self-protection jammer, chaff and flare dispenser system. The Tejas Mark 1A variants are equipped with an AESA radar, a new high performance digital flight control computer (DFCC Mk1A), new EW suite and updated avionics. Some of the production Mark 1A fighters will be equipped with the Elta EL/M-2052 AESA radar, while rest of the aircraft are expected to fly with the domestically developed Uttam AESA Radar. The new EW system for the Mark 1A, developed by DARE known as the Unified Electronic Warfare suite (UEWS), will have electronic countermeasures and electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities, digital radio frequency memory based jamming and deception capabilities. The Tejas Mark 1A will also carry a pod-mounted self-protection jammer – the Elta ELL-8222WB. The Mark 1A will have software-defined radio-based secure communications and network-centric warfare capabilities. (in green and red), Litening III (in metallic grey) and Vympel R-73E (in white)]] The Tejas can also carry pod-based sensors such as forward looking infrared (FLIR). Currently the Tejas is cleared to carry the Rafael Litening III targeting/reconnaissance pod, while an advanced version named Litening 4I will be integrated on the Tejas. The Litening 4I pod, developed by the C4I systems division of Rafael, enables the aircraft to carry out reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence gathering, in addition to target acquisition. The Tejas has an integrated health-monitoring system. The Tejas has a night vision goggles compatible glass cockpit, equipped with a domestically developed HUD, three multi-function displays, two Smart Standby Displays by CSIO. The Tejas has hands-on-throttle-and-stick arrangement to reduce pilot's workload. The displays provide key information on a need-to-know basis, the pilot interacts with onboard systems through a multi-functional keyboard and several selection panels. The Tejas has a "get-you-home" panel coupled with an air data computer developed by Bharat Electronics Limited to assist the pilot in case of an emergency. The cockpit is equipped with Martin-Baker 16LG zero-zero ejection seat and canopy severance system developed by DRDO's ARDE and HEMRL for safe ejection. For life support, Tejas Mark 1 relies on conventional liquid oxygen LOX system, while an onboard oxygen-generation system (OBOGS) has been developed for Tejas Mark 1A. The ADA has developed virtual reality assisted cockpit simulator for Tejas, and N-LCA. Currently Tejas pilots are flying with Elbit DASH IV helmet-mounted display system. The DRDO-developed fighter aircraft escape system has passed the high-speed rocket-sled test at controlled did at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of the TBRL in Chandigarh in December 2025. Tejas Mk 1A's Swayam Raksha Kavach EW package, which includes the Advanced Self Protection Jammer pod and the Dhruti DR118 RWR, is based on the D-29 EW Suite developed for the MiG-29. The RWR has four channel wide band receivers, which enhance the possibility of detecting and precisely determining the direction of enemy airborne and ground-based radars. The LSP-3 (KH2013) aircraft was used to test the SRK EW suite for an integrated mode of operation with internal RWR sensor and the ASPJ pod. It included a restricted multi-emitter test scenario for ground and aerial radar jamming. In 2023, several tests and sorties were carried out to check the integration of the SRK EW suite with Uttam radar. As of 30 October 2025, the EW suite is undergoing flight trials which is scheduled to conclude by mid-2026. Development of the system started in 2021, and deployment is anticipated by the end of 2026. While the RWR is integrated within the aircraft, the ASPJ pod will be mounted on a hardpoint.

Flight control system

The aerodynamic configuration of Tejas is based on a delta-wing layout with shoulder-mounted wings. The control surfaces include three-section slats on the wing's outer leading edge while the inboard sections of the wings have additional slats to generate vortex lift over the inner wing and high-energy air-flow along the tail fin to enhance high-AoA stability. The wing trailing edge fits two-segment elevons to provide pitch and roll control. The only empennage-mounted control surfaces are the single-piece rudder and two airbrakes, located in the upper rear part of the fuselage, one each on either side of the fin. Since the Tejas is a relaxed static stability design, it is equipped with a NAL-developed full authority quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system and an open architecture digital flight control computer developed by BEL. Its flight control surfaces are controlled by hybrid electro-hydraulic actuators through the digital flight control computer. The fly-by-wire flight control system of the Tejas has an advanced feature called auto low-speed recovery. This enables envelope protection at low speed and high angles of attack. It prevents the aircraft from entering into uncontrolled flight while maneuvering. Another feature is disorientation recovery function, once engaged it will recover the aircraft to an optimal altitude, airspeed and level flight. Some of the flight control laws for these features were formulated by the IIT Bombay research university. On 19 February 2024, Tejas Mark-1A prototype LSP-7 successfully completed sortie with indigenously designed high performance Digital Flight Control Computer. The system was developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). The latest DFCC has a quadraplex PowerPC-based processor, a fast I/O controller based on an autonomous state machine, increased computational throughput, and sophisticated on-board software that satisfies DO-178C level-A safety regulations. All important metrics and the flight controls' performance were deemed adequate during the flying test.

Propulsion

Developing an indigenous jet engine for Tejas was one of the five self-reliance goals identified at the beginning of the LCA Programme. A programme led by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to design and develop an indigenous powerplant, the Kaveri, was launched as early as in 1986. However Kaveri jet engine development faced some setbacks, hence the General Electric F404-GE-F2J3 afterburning turbofan engine was procured as an interim solution. Ten units of the F404-F2J3 engine power the Technology Demonstrator and Prototype variants of Tejas. Since 2004, uprated General Electric F404-GE-IN20 engines are being used on LSP, Naval prototypes and Mark 1 variants of Tejas. The production Tejas Mark 1 is powered by the F404-IN20 engine, with the same power-plant intended to power Mark 1A variant also, while the heavier Tejas Mark 2 will be powered by a General Electric F414-INS6 engine.

Operational history

The Tejas Mark 1 made its international debut on 21 January 2016, at the fourth Bahrain International Airshow. , French Rafale, IAF Tejas FOC during Exercise Garuda VII]] On 26 January 2017, Tejas made its maiden appearance in the 68th Republic Day parade by joining in the fly-past over the Kartavya Path (then Rajpath) in New Delhi. In April 2018, the IAF's entire fleet of Tejas Mark 1 aircraft participated in the Gagan Shakti 2018 exercise. It was the IAF's largest air exercise, involving 1,100 aircraft and 15,000 military personnel. During the exercise, the Tejas were deployed to forward bases and demonstrated their reliability and precision strike capability. In 2019, six Tejas fighter jets participated in the Vayu Shakti air exercise, where it has demonstrated its "swing role" capability. According to the commanding officer of No. 45 Squadron – Group Captain Samrath Dhankhar, DASH IV HMDS enables the Tejas pilot to take full advantage of high off-boresight close combat missiles, such as Python-5 and R-73. On 18 August 2020, IAF deployed the No. 45 Squadron "Flying Dagger" on the western front along the Pakistani border (line of control). It was the first operational deployment of Tejas. On 27 April 2021, Tejas Mark 1 successfully test fired Python-5 high off-boresight (HOBS) close combat air-to-air missile and further validated enhanced capability of I-Derby ER (extended range) BVR missile. Both missiles scored direct hits on targets during the trial. IAF participated in Exercise Desert Flag VIII, with five Tejas and two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, held in UAE from 27 February to 17 March 2023. This is the first time Tejas participated in an international flying exercise outside India. Mk1 missile]] On 23 August 2023, Astra Mk-1 Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile was successfully test fired from HAL Tejas aircraft off the coast of Goa from an altitude of . This is the first time when India test fire an indigenously developed BVRAAM from a homegrown fighter aircraft. In December 2023, plans were revealed to deploy the first batch of Tejas Mk 1A in the Nal airbase in Bikaner, Rajasthan. No. 3 Squadron and No. 23 Squadron, the last and current operators of MiG-21s, are expected to become the first operators of Tejas Mk 1A. Both the squadrons were deployed in Nal AFS by June 2024. The first delivery of Tejas Mk 1A is expected by November 2024. at INS Dega for Milan Naval Exercise 2024]] On 26 January 2024, on the occasion of 75th Republic Day of India, four Tejas took part in the parade fly-past held at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. piloted by VCOAS AP Singh during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024]] HAL Tejas Mk 1 participated in the first phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024. The jets were escorted by a formation of four HAL Tejas Mk 1 aircraft, one of which was piloted by the then Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh. The exercise began with Tejas intercepting German, French and Spanish jets as a part of the training exercise. HAL Tejas was assigned to the Red Force (hostile) as well as the Blue Force (friendly) and its capabilities were proved in both the cases. The jet also received appreciation from the foreign pilots who piloted them. On 13 August, the Chief of French Air Force, General and the Chief of German Air Force Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz piloted HAL Tejas. The first production aircraft of Tejas Mk 1A was showcased at Aero India 2025. On 12 March 2025, Astra Mk-1 Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile was successfully test fired from a Tejas Mk1 prototype over the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. The missile scored a direct hit on a flying target at a range of over 100 km. This test was significant for the subsequent induction of Tejas Mk 1A aircraft. Further trials are also expected for performance evaluation. The aircraft did not participate in Exercise Vayushakti on 27 February 2026 due to the fleet's grounding in the month following a take-off incident. Tejas was part of the IAF contingent in Exercise Veer Guardian which was conducted on 9–22 September 2026 at Jodhpur Air Force Station. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and the JASDF chief, General Takehiro Morita, conducted their respective solo sorties on Tejas simultaneously on 20 September.

Potential operators

HAL proposed exporting the Tejas, with preliminary talks taking place with several friendly countries. It was reported in March 2020 that HAL is willing to set up logistic facilities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam as part of exporting the Tejas. In a July 2026 interview, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K. said in an interview that domestic production is being prioritized with local capacity and ecosystem being worked on to fulfill domestic orders before export orders will be done.

Failed bids

Australia

In July 2020, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) had issued a tender, seeking a new jet trainer to replace its fleet of BAE Hawk 127 trainer aircraft. According to HAL's "58th Annual Report" covering 2020–2021, HAL had offered the HAL Tejas in its "Lead in Fighter Trainer" (LIFT) configuration to Australia's Department of Defence (DoD) in July 2020. Other aircraft also reported to be participating in the tender were the Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk, the Aermacchi M-346 Master and the KAI T-50. However, the Australian Government rejected a government to government deal proposed by the Indian government for 35 Tejas LIFT aircraft for US$1 billion. During bilateral defence talks held in September 2021, The Indian Express reported Australia's lack of interest in the offer. In February 2022, the Australian government decided to take up a proposal by BAE to upgrade and refurbish its Hawks with new engines and avionics, extending their lifespan until 2032.

Botswana

The Botswana Defence Force Air Wing had approached HAL to procure the Tejas for potentially replacing its Canadair CF-5s due to the aircraft's age and problems of acquiring needed parts for maintenance. The BDFAW had previously considered acquiring Gripens, the F-16, KAI T-50, and the Leonardo M-346. As of July 2024, there were reports that talks on acquiring the Tejas were suspended. In January 2025, Botswana officially ended negotiations to purchase the Tejas.

Egypt

During the Dubai Airshow 2021, Egyptian officials expressed their interest in procuring 70 LCA Tejas to replace 100 Hongdu JL-8s. Following the Dubai Airshow 2021, HAL and Indian Air Force officials visited Cairo and discussions were going on. As of June 2022, India has offered to set up local production facilities for the LCA Tejas and also for the Light Utility and Light Combat Helicopters in Egypt. During Aero India 2023, it was reported that Egypt was seeking around 20 multi-role aircraft. HAL previously reported that 35 LCA Mk-1As were being offered in a contract. In August 2024, it was reported that an agreement to purchase the Chinese Chengdu J-10C, had been signed.

Malaysia

Malaysia had frequently indicated that it may be interested in purchasing the HAL Tejas for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), as part of its attempts to supplement its MiG-29 fleet; reports of Malaysian interest in procuring the aircraft date back to as early as 2019. In March 2019, the HAL Tejas made its international debut at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA); its presence reportedly generated a great deal of interest, especially by the RMAF. However, in mid-2019, HAL's prospects of exporting the HAL Tejas to Malaysia were severely blemished, owing to diplomatic tussles between India and Malaysia. After the diplomatic skirmishes had ceased in 2020, an RMAF delegation reportedly visited HAL's manufacturing-facility at Bangalore in 2021, to assess the suitability of the HAL Tejas. Possibly in anticipation of a potential order — reaffirming Malaysia's interest in the aircraft. In 2021, the RMAF formally released a tender and request for proposals for the supply of 18 light combat-aircraft - labelled as the "Fighter Lead In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft" (FLIT/LCA), in an effort to supplant its ageing BAE Hawk 108/208 light-combat aircraft and its MB-339CM trainers. Six aircraft were running in the bid for the FLIT/LCA tender — the HAL Tejas MK1A, KAI FA-50, HAIC L-15, Aermacchi M-346, TAI Hürjet and Mikoyan MiG-35. Coincidentally, the JF-17 — which was reported to be a leading choice for the RMAF, did not participate in the FLIT/LCA tender. In February 2023, the Malaysian government announced that the South Korean bid had won the tender with the Tejas failing to win the contract. Malaysia subsequently ordered 18 KAI FA-50 Block 20 aircraft worth US$920 million. The FA-50 was reportedly chosen because of it being a tried-and-tested platform in service with numerous countries while the Tejas is largely unproven and untested, with the Indian Air Force being the sole operator. Logistics issues and the FA-50 better meeting the RMAF's FLIT/LCA requirements were also other factors.

Nigeria

On 7 December 2023, HAL reported that Nigeria has expressed interest in acquiring the Tejas. It was reportedly in competition with the JF-17. However, in July 2024, there were reports that talks on acquiring the Tejas were suspended. In January 2025, Nigeria withdrew from negotiations to purchase the Tejas. Nigeria instead bought JF 17 from Pakistan which were delivered in 2021.

Philippines

In May 2022, India and the Philippines signed an MOU with the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation, which mentioned the consideration of purchasing the Tejas and other Indian-made aircraft. On 7 July 2022, the Tejas was dropped from further consideration from the multi-role fighter jet (MRF) project. The F-16V Block 70/72 and the JAS-39 Gripen C/D+ are currently the main contenders for the Philippine Air Force's MRF project. In February 2024, HAL reported that it has offered the Tejas Mark 1A to the PADC as a naval strike platform, equipped with the BrahMos NG missile. HAL also agreed to help set up a local partnership for the assembly of the MK1A.

Sri Lanka

In 2018, it had been reported that Sri Lanka had shown interest in purchasing the Tejas to replace its aging fleets of IAI Kfir and Chengdu J-7 aircraft. The intention was for the acquisition of 8 to 12 aircraft to be pursued through a government-government basic agreement. In 2021, the Sri Lankan government decided to overhaul their Kfirs instead rather than buying new aircraft, which would cost around $40 million per unit compared to $49 million in total for overhauling all five Kfirs.

United Arab Emirates

The Tejas had attracted interest from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with some discussions held during a visit by UAE Minister of State and Defence, Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi Al Falacy, during a state visit in October 2018, as part of growing defence relations between India and UAE. By May 2022, Tejas had failed to gain any further interest with the UAE placing an order for 80 Rafale F4s from France. In February 2023, the UAE signed a deal for purchase of 12 Hongdu L-15 trainer and light combat aircraft from China, with options for another 36. UAE officials stated the L-15 order aligned with the UAE's framework for diversifying the military's sources of equipment.

United States

In December 2020, in response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the United States Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), HAL offered the "Lead In Fighter Trainer" variant of the HAL Tejas — classified as the "HAL Tejas LIFT", to the United States Navy (USN), as part the latter's initiative to replace its fleet of T-45 Goshawk trainer aircraft, dubbed the "Undergraduate Jet Training System". Other aircraft participating in the UJTS, are the T-7 Red Hawk — offered by Boeing in partnership with Saab, and the KAI T-50A Golden Eagle — offered by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), in partnership with Lockheed Martin. Despite being the only aircraft among the three to be reportedly capable of undertaking operations from an aircraft carrier, the prospects of the USN selecting the HAL Tejas LIFT are reportedly slim, according to multiple sources. Several reasons suggested as the cause of the LIFT's bleak prospects in the UJTS are that HAL has refrained from partnering with a US-based company to offer the LIFT (unlike the consortiums of Boeing-Saab and KAI-Lockheed Martin, offering the T-7 and the T-50A, respectively), a lack of export orders for the type, and its delta-wing design — which makes it less-suitable for low-speed landing.

Variants

takeoff of by Tejas NP-2 at ]]

Prototypes

Aircraft already built and projected models to be built. Model designations, tail numbers and dates of first flight are shown. Technology Demonstrators (TD) TD-1 (KH2001) – 4 January 2001. TD-2 (KH2002) – 6 June 2002. Prototype Vehicles (PV) PV-1 (KH2003) – First flight on 25 November 2003. PV-2 (KH2004) – First flight on 1 December 2005. PV-3 (KH2005) – First flight on 1 December 2006. PV-5 (KH-T2009) – First flight on 26 November 2009 – Fighter/Trainer variant. PV-6 (KH-T2010) – First flight on 8 November 2014 – Fighter/Trainer variant. Naval Prototypes (NP) NP-1 (KHN-T3001) – Two-seat naval variant for carrier operations. Rolled out in July 2010. NP-1 made its first flight on 27 April 2012. NP-2 (NAVY3002) – Single-seat naval variant. First flight on 7 February 2015 with ski-jump take-off and arrested landing required in STOBAR carrier. NP-5 (NAVY3005) – Two-seat naval variant. First flight on 29 August 2023. Built to production standard incorporating improvements learned from NP-1 and NP-2. It will help in the development of HAL TEDBF. Limited Series Production (LSP) aircraft .]] LSP-1 (KH2011) – 25 April 2007. This LCA is powered by F404-F2J3 Engine. LSP-2 (KH2012) – 16 June 2008. This is the first LCA fitted with F404-IN20 engine. LSP-3 (KH2013) – 23 April 2010. The first aircraft to have the Hybrid MMR radar and will be close to the IOC standard. LSP-4 (KH2014) – June 2010. The first aircraft that was flown in the (Mark 1) configuration that will be delivered to the Indian Air Force. The aircraft flew with the Hybrid MMR, a Countermeasure Dispensing System, and an identify friend or foe electronic system. LSP-5 (KH2015) – 19 November 2010. IOC standard, with all sensors including night lighting in the cockpit, and an auto-pilot. LSP-7 (KH2017) – First flight on 9 March 2012. LSP-8 (KH2018) – First flight trial completed in March 2013. LSP 8 is the final version upon which production is based.

Production variants

]] Tejas Mark 1 IOC − Single-seat operational variant for the Indian Air Force. 16 aircraft have been delivered in IOC standard constituting No. 45 Squadron IAF. Tejas Mark 1 FOC −Adding a Cobham refuelling pod and Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 auto-cannon, to the IOC specification. Delivery of the Tejas Mark 1 in FOC standard has begun and 18 Squadron (Flying Bullets) was equipped with the first aircraft in May 2020. FOC standard Tejas Mark 1 are BVRAAM capable, with general flight envelope expansion, increased angle of attack, higher g-limit of +9 g, updated avionics and flight control software suite, as well as capable of hot refueling and aerial refueling. Delivery of all 32 single seat Tejas Mk 1 aircraft is complete. Tejas Trainer − Two-seat operational conversion trainer for the Indian Air Force; also act as LiFT (Lead-in Fighter Trainer) and ground-attack aircraft. Tejas Mark 1A − An enhanced Tejas Mark 1 equipped with EL/M-2052 and Uttam AESA radar, self-protection jammer, radar warning receiver, as well as being able to mount an external ECM pod. The first Limited Series Production (LSP) aircraft of the Mark.1A variant rolled out in April 2022, and meant to be used as a Flying Testbed (FTB). A second LSP rolled out in late 2022, and shall be used to validate design changes meant to make the Mark.1A variant lighter than the Mark.1, and to optimize weight distribution.

Future developments

SPORT - Supersonic Omni-Role Trainer (SPORT) aircraft is a two-seater Lead-in Fighter Training (LiFT) aircraft being developed from the LCA Trainer Mark 1. It is being offered to the IAF in lieu of the HAL HLFT-42 concept, and will be powered by the dry-thrust variant of the GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri being developed for the DRDO Ghatak. It might also be offered for export purposes as a light fighter. Tejas Mark 2 - or Medium Weight Fighter, is an enhanced Tejas Mark 1 design which is expected to have a more powerful engine and an increased payload carrying capacity. The Tejas Mark 2 will feature an AESA radar, an on-board oxygen generation system and a built-in electronic warfare suite among other improvements to avionics. In January 2019, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa said that the IAF has committed to procure twelve squadrons of Tejas Mark 2 aircraft. CATS MAX - The main component of HAL Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), CATS MAX will be a twin seater Tejas Mark 1A modified with CATS interface to act as the mothership of CATS components. The CATS MAX is to be crewed by a pilot and a weapon system officer (WSO), with the later controlling the CATS. Tejas Trainer - NP-5 based operational conversion trainer for the Indian Navy, with IFR-probe. Indian Navy was reported to be considering HAL's proposal to reestablish a "Carrier Training Squadron" with 18 Naval Tejas, that would be posted on both of India's carriers and additionally serve as point defence interceptors.

Cancelled variants

Tejas Mark 1 Navy - Naval Variant based on HAL Tejas Mark 1 powered by F404 engine. Cancelled in favour of the new twin-engine naval fighter HAL TEDBF. Tejas Mark 2 Navy - Proposed naval variant based on the Tejas Mk 2. Cancelled in favour of the HAL TEDBF. Tejas Trainer IN - Two-seat operational conversion trainer for the Indian Navy. Cancelled in favour of the HAL TEDBF.

Accidents and incidents

Since its first flight in 2001, two Tejas aircraft have been lost in accidents, including one fatal case: 12 March 2024: A Tejas Mk 1 aircraft from the No. 18 Squadron of the Indian Air Force crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India after taking part in a tri-service exercise, Bharat Shakti. The pilot ejected safely and no one was harmed. The crash was the first for the Tejas since the project's inception. In July 2024, officials involved in the investigation stated that an oil pump failure may have led to an engine seizure, that resulted in the crash. 21 November 2025: A Tejas Mk 1 aircraft from the No. 18 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, in service with the IAF since 2020, crashed during the Dubai Airshow held at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates while performing a barrel roll maneuver, and the pilot was killed in the incident. The Indian Air Force announced the constitution of a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident. 7 February 2026: A Tejas Mk 1 of the Indian Air Force was involved in an incident at the Naliya Air Force Station while taking off for a training sortie. The pilot sustained minor injuries and there was no ejection. Preliminary reports indicate a technical glitch and onboard systems failure leading to a "suspected brake failure". The aircraft then overshot the runway and slid into a mud patch softened by prior rainfall. After this incident, the entire fleet of Tejas has been grounded for inspection. HAL later clarified the incident as a minor technical glitch which is being resolved with the IAF. It was reported following an investigation that the crash was caused by a software glitch of the aircraft's onboard systems. A software was upgraded jointly with the IAF and HAL and was being "tried out" as of 12 March. The entire fleet will eventually receive the software upgrade. The remaining 36 jets, including 6 trainers, underwent mechanical and metallurgical "exhaustive tests" which included checking the metallurgy of the under carriage that holds the wheels, the electro-magnetic system used for applying brakes and the software. As per reports on 2 April, the 36-aircraft fleet is expected to receive flying clearance by 8 April. HAL received the clearance from the local modification committee (LMC). Before the final clearance to return to active service, the aircraft will undergo one-time checks..

Specifications (Tejas Mk-1A)

See also

Notes

References

Bibliography

External links

Official Government of India Tejas site Features and analysis: "Flying into the unknown" — A feature by The Hindu on the Tejas test pilots. "LCA and Economics" by Sunil Sainis and George Joseph "The Light Combat Aircraft Story", by Air Marshal MSD Wollen (Retd). The case to support the indigenous LCA programme, by Ashok Parthasarathi and Raman Puri. Technical: An Approach to High AoA Testing of the LCA Development Flight Testing of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft LCA Avionics And Weapon System Mission Computer Software Development: A Case Study TEJAS The Indian Light Combat Aircraft, official brochure 2015 ADA Tejas IOC brochure General Electric F404 family turbofan engines datasheet General: "Tejas / Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)", Fighter-planes.com "Dawn of Tejas" Aero India special report from flightglobal.com Radiance in Indian Skies - The Tejas Saga by Air Marshal P Rajkumar, BR Srikant

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1377970911 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.