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Multirole light fighterIndia · 2015 — present · Active

HAL Tejas

Light Combat Aircraft

India's indigenous fourth-generation fighter.

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Overview

About the Tejas

The Tejas is a single-engine, delta-wing multirole fighter designed entirely in India by the Aeronautical Development Agency. The Mk1A variant introduces AESA radar, EW pod, and BVR capability.

History

Service history

The LCA programme launched in 1983 to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet. First flight in 2001, IOC in 2011, and Squadron 45 'Flying Daggers' inducted the type in 2016. 83 Mk1A on order plus 97 more approved.

Armament

Weapons loadout

  • Astra BVRAAM
  • Python-5 / Derby AAM
  • 23mm GSh-23 twin-barrel cannon
  • Precision-guided bombs
  • Anti-radiation missiles
  • Litening targeting pod
Highlights

Combat edge

01

Fully indigenous fly-by-wire design

02

Uttam AESA radar on Mk1A

03

Lightest supersonic fighter in service

04

Low radar cross-section airframe