Aircraft & UAVs

HAL Tejas

Also known as
  • LCA Tejas
  • Light Combat Aircraft Tejas
  • Tejas Mk1
  • Tejas Mk1A
  • LCA Tejas Mk1
  • LCA Tejas Mk1A
  • LCA Tejas Mk1 Trainer
  • Tejas Twin Seat
  • Tejas Trainer
  • LCA Navy
  • Tejas Navy

HAL Tejas is India's single-engine multirole light combat aircraft, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. HAL describes the type as a 4.5-generation, all-weather fighter, and later Tejas Mk1A production added an AESA radar, electronic warfare equipment, and air-to-air refuelling capability.

HAL Tejas, Single-engine multirole light combat aircraft family, Aircraft & UAVs
Image source: HAL Tejas SP18 fresh off the production line.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Role in Conflicts

2015 Various Conflicts
Side
Unconfirmed conflict context

Indian Air Force Tejas aircraft were reported deployed in an operational role on the western front near the Pakistan border in August 2020 during the Ladakh crisis with China.

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
India
Type
Single-engine multirole light combat aircraft family
Service note
2010s-present
Designer
Aeronautical Development Agency
Produced
2014-present
Developed into
Tejas Mk2 / Medium Weight Fighter follow-on development

Specifications

Crew
1 in single-seat fighter variants; 2 in twin-seat trainer variants
Engine
1 × GE F404-IN20 afterburning turbofan
Hardpoints
9
Maximum speed
Mach 1.6
Service ceiling
50,000 feet
G limits
+8g / -3.5g
Empty mass
6,950 kg
Maximum take-off weight
13,500 kg
Composite structure
HAL describes the airframe as 90% composite by area
Variants

The Tejas record covers the Indian light-combat-aircraft family around the Mk1/Mk1A air-force fighter, its twin-seat trainer, and the naval STOBAR technology demonstrator.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
Tejas Mk1 / LCA Mk IInitial IAF single-seat fighter standard

The Mk I baseline reached final operational clearance in 2019 and forms the first operational Indian Air Force Tejas fighter standard.

Sources: Final Operational Clearance of LCA Tejas MK I for Indian Air Force

Tejas Mk1A / LCA Mk1AImproved IAF production fighter

The Mk1A order added AESA radar, BVR missile capability, an electronic-warfare suite, and air-to-air refuelling; a 2025 contract added 97 more Mk1A aircraft, including fighter and twin-seat examples.

Sources: Cabinet approves Procurement of 83 Light Combat Aircrafts (LCA) Tejas from HAL for IAF, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE; YEAR END REVIEW - 2025

Tejas twin-seat trainerTwo-seat fighter trainer

PIB described the LCA trainer as a twin-seat Tejas able to undertake single-seat fighter roles while supporting Indian Air Force training requirements.

Sources: Prime Minister flies in twin seater LCA Tejas

LCA Navy / Tejas NavyCarrier-operation technology demonstrator

DRDO said LCA Navy demonstrated carrier takeoff and arrested-landing operations from INS Vikramaditya and described it as a STOBAR fighter demonstrator.

Sources: DRDO at Republic Day Parade 2021

Electronic Warfare Payloads

PIB described Tejas as carrying the Advanced Self Protection Jammer as part of its electronic warfare fit.

Carried itemItem typeCarriage evidence
Advanced Self Protection Jammer, Electronic warfare jammer, Electronic WarfareAdvanced Self Protection JammerAirborne self-protection jammer

PIB said Tejas is fitted with the Advanced Self Protection Jammer, which provides the aircraft's electronic warfare capability.

Sources: DRDO to display two tableaux during Republic Day parade 2022

Air-Launched Weapons

Tejas has been documented test-launching the indigenous ASTRA BVRAAM, validating the already integrated Derby BVR AAM, and appearing in DRDO's 2022 weapons tableau with the Gaurav guided glide bomb.

Launched itemItem typeLaunch evidence
ASTRA BVRAAM, Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, MunitionsASTRA BVRAAMBeyond-visual-range air-to-air missile

PIB reported that a Tejas LCA AF Mk1 prototype test-fired the homegrown ASTRA BVRAAM off the Odisha coast in March 2025.

Sources: Tejas LCA AF MK1 test-fires Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile

Derby BVR air-to-air missile, Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, MunitionsDerby BVR air-to-air missileBeyond-visual-range air-to-air missile

PIB said Python-5 trials on Tejas also validated the already integrated Derby Beyond Visual Range (BVR) AAM on Tejas.

Sources: DRDO conducts maiden trial of Python-5 Air to Air Missile

Gaurav guided glide bomb, Long-range guided glide bomb, MunitionsGaurav guided glide bombLong-range guided glide bomb

DRDO's 2022 Republic Day tableau for LCA Tejas listed Gaurav as one of the aircraft's five aerial-launched weapons.

Sources: DRDO to display two tableaux during Republic Day parade 2022

Sensor And Weapons Suite

The Mk1A and DRDO integration work place Tejas in a wider Indian sensor, weapons, and electronic-warfare ecosystem rather than a single airframe-only program.

Radar

HAL describes the Mk1A fit as adding AESA radar, while DRDO identified Uttam as the indigenous AESA radar displayed with the Tejas suite.

Weapons

Official releases connect Tejas trials or integration displays with Astra, Derby, Python-5, Rudram, Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, Gaurav, and Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation weapons.

Electronic warfare

The Advanced Self Protection Jammer is documented as part of the Tejas electronic-warfare fit, complementing the Mk1A radar and avionics upgrade path.

Timeline

HAL Tejas Key Events

  1. First series-production flight

    The first series-production Tejas aircraft completed its maiden flight, starting the production-line path toward squadron service.

    Sources: Background to DRDO Developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas

  2. First aircraft handed to the IAF

    The Defence Minister handed over the first series-production IOC-standard Tejas to the Indian Air Force after upgrade work.

    Sources: Background to DRDO Developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas

  3. Induction into squadron service

    The first indigenous Tejas aircraft entered Indian Air Force service, marking the type's squadron-level operational debut.

    Sources: Achievements of Ministry of Defence from May, 2014 to March, 2017

  4. Final operational clearance

    PIB reported final operational clearance for LCA Tejas Mk I, clearing the way for broader fighter-service use.

    Sources: Final Operational Clearance of LCA Tejas MK I for Indian Air Force

  5. Seven years of service

    The Ministry of Defence marked seven years of Tejas service in the Indian Air Force and highlighted the type's multirole role.

    Sources: LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT TEJAS COMPLETES SEVEN YEARS OF SERVICE IN INDIAN AIR FORCE

  6. Twin-seat Tejas sortie

    PIB said the Prime Minister flew in the Tejas twin-seat light combat fighter at Bengaluru, and described two IAF squadrons as fully operational with LCA Tejas.

    Sources: Prime Minister flies in twin seater LCA Tejas

  7. Astra test-fire

    ADA test-fired the indigenous ASTRA BVRAAM from a Tejas LCA AF Mk1 prototype off the Odisha coast.

    Sources: Tejas LCA AF MK1 test-fires Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile

  8. Mk1A Nashik production line

    The Ministry of Defence reported the inauguration of HAL Nashik's LCA Mk1A production line and the first Mk1A produced at that facility.

    Sources: Flight of self-reliance: LCA Mk1A production line at HAL Nashik

Media

HAL Tejas Videos

HAL Tejas Images

HAL Tejas, Single-engine multirole light combat aircraft family, Aircraft & UAVs - view 1
Source: Tejas at Sulur Air Force Station.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
HAL Tejas, Single-engine multirole light combat aircraft family, Aircraft & UAVs - view 2
Source: HAL Tejas SP18 fresh off the production line.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
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Advanced Self Protection Jammer, Electronic warfare jammer, Electronic WarfareElectronic WarfareAdvanced Self Protection JammerElectronic warfare jammerThe Advanced Self Protection Jammer is an Indian DRDO airborne electronic-warfare pod associated with the HAL Tejas self-protection fit. Official Indian releases describe it as protecting the aircraft against acquisition radars, fire-control radars, anti-aircraft artillery, and airborne multirole radars, while later procurement approvals extended related external self-protection jammer pods into Su-30MKI electronic-warfare planning.
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Sources

HAL LCA Product PagePublisher: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited | Note: Supports Tejas manufacturer background, 4.5-generation all-weather multirole fighter description, single- and twin-seat family context, engine, thrust, hardpoints, speed, and service-ceiling specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-26HAL LCA PDF BrochurePublisher: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited | Note: Supports Tejas technical data, including max speed, service ceiling, g limits, empty mass, maximum take-off weight, composite-structure context, and the aircraft's general program background. | Accessed: 2026-07-01HAL R&D Capabilities PDFPublisher: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited | Note: Supports the single GE 404 IN20 engine, Tejas variant family, and the Mk1A upgrade context. | Accessed: 2026-06-26LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT TEJAS COMPLETES SEVEN YEARS OF SERVICE IN INDIAN AIR FORCEPublisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports Tejas Indian Air Force service context, including the seven-year service milestone and the aircraft's multirole framing. | Accessed: 2026-06-26Cabinet approves Procurement of 83 Light Combat Aircrafts (LCA) Tejas from HAL for IAFPublisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports the January 2021 IAF order split of 73 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighters and 10 LCA Tejas Mk-1 trainers, plus Mk1A AESA radar, BVR missile, electronic-warfare suite, and air-to-air refuelling capability. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Background to DRDO Developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TejasPublisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports first series-production maiden flight on September 30, 2014 and the January 17, 2015 handover of the first IOC-standard aircraft to the IAF. | Accessed: 2026-06-26Achievements of Ministry of Defence from May, 2014 to March, 2017Publisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports the July 1, 2016 induction of the indigenously built Tejas into the Indian Air Force and the early 40-aircraft induction decision. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Final Operational Clearance of LCA Tejas MK I for Indian Air ForcePublisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports Tejas Mk I final operational clearance and the aircraft's fighter-service progression. | Accessed: 2026-06-26Tejas LCA AF MK1 test-fires Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air MissilePublisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports the Tejas Mk1 prototype ASTRA test-fire in March 2025. | Accessed: 2026-06-26DRDO conducts maiden trial of Python-5 Air to Air MissilePublisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports the April 2021 Tejas Python-5 trial and the validation of the already integrated Derby Beyond Visual Range (BVR) AAM on Tejas. | Accessed: 2026-06-27DRDO to display two tableaux during Republic Day parade 2022Publisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports the 2022 Tejas tableau context in which DRDO listed Uttam AESA radar, five aerial-launched weapons including Gaurav, and the Advanced Self Protection Jammer as part of the LCA Tejas sensor, weapons, and EW suite. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Amid border tensions with China, indigenous fighter LCA Tejas deployed on western frontPublisher: The Times of India | Note: Supports 2015 Various Conflicts direct-use context: the IAF deployed Tejas on the western front along the Pakistan border in August 2020. | Accessed: 2026-07-01IAF deploys LCA Tejas along Pakistan border amid tensions with ChinaPublisher: ThePrint | Note: Supports 2015 Various Conflicts holding-bucket context: ANI reported government-source claims that the IAF deployed LCA Tejas on the western front near the Pakistan border in an operational role in August 2020 during Ladakh-front tensions. | Accessed: 2026-07-01HAL Tejas SP18 fresh off the production line.jpg - Wikimedia CommonsPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports primary image provenance; the file page identifies Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as the author and uses Government of India GODL licensing. | Accessed: 2026-06-26Tejas at Sulur Air Force Station.jpg - Wikimedia CommonsPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports gallery image provenance; the file page identifies the subject as HAL Tejas squadron aircraft at Sulur Air Force Station under Government of India GODL licensing. | Accessed: 2026-06-26Hal Tejas.jpg - Wikimedia CommonsPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports gallery image provenance for the three-view HAL Tejas schematic and its Creative Commons attribution-sharealike license. | Accessed: 2026-06-26Prime Minister flies in twin seater LCA TejasPublisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports the Tejas twin-seat trainer role, the IAF Tejas squadron context, the 83-aircraft Mk1A order, and HAL production-capacity expansion plans cited in the 2023 release. | Accessed: 2026-07-01DRDO at Republic Day Parade 2021Publisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports LCA Navy carrier-operation demonstrations from INS Vikramaditya, STOBAR context, and Tejas model display context in the 2021 DRDO Republic Day release. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Flight of self-reliance: LCA Mk1A production line at HAL NashikPublisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports the October 2025 LCA Mk1A third production line, first Nashik-built Mk1A, and HAL production-capacity context. | Accessed: 2026-07-01MINISTRY OF DEFENCE; YEAR END REVIEW - 2025Publisher: Press Information Bureau, Government of India | Note: Supports the September 25, 2025 contract for 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft, including 68 fighters and 29 twin-seaters, planned delivery timing, and added UTTAM AESA, Swayam Raksha Kavach, and control-surface actuator integration context. | Accessed: 2026-07-01