Tejas

The HAL Tejas is India’s indigenous, lightweight, single‑engine, multirole fighter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Its origins trace back to the 1980s when the Indian Air Force issued the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme to replace aging MiG‑21s. After extensive design work, the prototype first flew on 4 January 2001 and entered operational service in 2016 as the Mark 1, with the advanced Mark 1A variant achieving full service entry in 2022. The Tejas features a composite‑rich airframe, fly‑by‑wire digital control system, and a single General Engine‑F404 turbofan delivering about 79 kN thrust. Avionics include a modern glass cockpit, advanced radar, and beyond‑visual‑range missile capability, while its low radar cross‑section and agility make it suitable for air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground, and reconnaissance missions. Significantly, the Tejas represents a milestone in Indian aerospace, demonstrating the country’s ability to design, develop, and produce a front‑line combat aircraft without foreign licence production. Its export potential, integration into the Indian Navy as a carrier‑capable variant, and ongoing upgrades underscore its strategic importance in strengthening national defence and advancing indigenous aviation technology. The platform also serves as a testbed for future indigenous upgrades such as advanced thrust vectoring and network‑centric warfare capabilities.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification

External References