Latest news with #TejasMK1A
India.com
7 minutes ago
- Business
- India.com
Bad news for China, Pakistan as India to become self-reliant in defence, Modi govt approves purchase of 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for Rs...
Tejas MK1A is India's homegrown 4.5 generation fighter aircraft. (File) Tejas MK1A: In a significant development that would provide a major boost to indigenous defence manufacturing, the Narendra Modi government Tuesday approved the purchase of an additional 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for Rs 62,000 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to aid efforts by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in phasing out its MiG-21 fleet. Why Tejas MK1A deal is a major boost of homegrown defence tech? The approval, which will allow HAL to start manufacturing, was cleared at a high-level meeting on Tuesday, defence officials said, according to news agency ANI. Notably, this is HAL's second major order for the LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets, the first being the Rs 48,000 crore order for 83 aircraft, placed a few years ago. Notably, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a vocal supporter of HAL and boosting India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The Tejas fighter jet program, backed by the Ministry of Defence and Air Force Headquarters, is seen more than as a military upgrade, but a major push forward for the ambitious Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, that aim to make the country self-reliant in defence manufacturing. Additionally, the HAL's Tejas program will create thousands of jobs in numerous small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who are involved in manufacturing defence components across India. How powerful is Tejas MK1A fighter jet? The Tejas MK1A fighter jet is equipped with a wide array of offensive and defensive armaments, including the the indigenously-built Astra Mk1 BVR air-to-air missile with 100+ km range, the ASRAAM missile for close aerial combat, the Rudram anti-radiation missile, SAAW Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, in addition to laser-guided bombs for precision ground strikes. The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F404-IN20 engine, which churns out 84 kN thrust, enabling the Tejas MK1A to reach a speed of up to Mach 1.8 and altitude of 52,000 feet. The warplane also has mid-air refuelling capability, which increases its flight duration and range. Tejas MK1 has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,500 kg, and is capable of carrying up to 8-9 tons of weapons. Story highlights The Narendra Modi govt has approved the purchase of 97 Tejas MK1A fighter jets from HAL. The latest Tejas MK1A fighter jet deal is worth Rs 62,000 crore. This is HAL's second major order for the LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets. The Tejas MK1A powered by a General Electric F404-IN20 engine. According to details, the Tejas Mark 1A has advanced radars and avionics than its predecessor, and the latest batch will have over 65 indigenous components compared to the earlier 40 jets.
India Today
15-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
US firm delivers Tejas MK 1A engine after delays, India to ramp up production
US-based defence maker GE Aerospace is taking significant steps to streamline the delivery of F404-IN20 engines for India's Tejas MK 1A fighter aircraft, following a series of delays that hindered the project. The second engine was recently delivered to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is responsible for assembling the initial delivery of the engine took place on March 25 this year, marking a notable milestone. Shawn Warren, General Manager of Combat & Trainer Engines at GE Aerospace, expressed excitement about the delivery, stating it represents an important phase in their relationship with HAL and India's defence a contract valued at USD 716 million signed in 2021, HAL had been awaiting these engines to boost their production of the Tejas MK 1A. The contract had experienced a two-year delay, affecting HAL's timelines for expanding India's fleet. GE Aerospace's recent delivery is seen as a crucial step in reviving the project's has been restructuring its production line in Bengaluru to accelerate the integration of these engines.A new assembly line has been added to enhance the pace of production, aiming to deliver 16 Tejas MK 1A units annually to fulfil the contract by 2028. This restructuring is expected to alleviate the delays in engine delivery."Despite the delay in engine delivery, we have optimised our assembly process to ensure swift deliveries. The arrival of the F-404 engines will allow us to ramp up production significantly," An official from HAL Aerospace had to restart the production line for the F404-IN20 engines, which had been dormant for five years."With no additional engine orders on the horizon, the production line for F404-IN20 was shut down. However, when HAL ordered an additional 99 engines in 2021, our team began the complex task of restarting," GE delivery of these engines is anticipated to enhance the Indian Air Force's operational capabilities, particularly since it currently relies on older Tejas MK 1A, with its upgraded features, is expected to significantly bolster India's air defence when Aerospace is now working closely with suppliers to maintain efficient production, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in delivering the engines to HAL.- Ends
India.com
08-07-2025
- India.com
Bad news for Pakistan, China as India to install THIS deadly BVR missile in indigenous Tejas MK1A fighter jet, has range of..., trials begin in..
The Tejas MK1A is India's homegrown 4.5 generation fighter aircraft. (File) In a significant development that could further boost India's India's indigenous defence capabilities, state-owned defence manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will conduct the first live-firing test of the Astra MK1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the indigenously-built Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, marking a historic step in India's homegrown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program. How powerful is Tejas MK1A fighter jet? Designed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL, the Tejas Mk1A is the successor of Tejas MK1, India's indigenous 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft, aimed to replace the aging fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF), such as the MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 fighters. The Tejas MK1A has more than 40 improvements over the previous variant, including an ELM-2052 AESA radar developed by Israel's ELT Systems. The advanced radar has anti-jamming capabilities, and can simultaneously track multiple targets. The 4.5th gen fighter will be equipped with India's homegrown Uttam AESA radar in the coming future. The LCA is equipped with the new Quadruplex Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A), which gives the Tejas Mk1A better control and safety during flight, and aids the the pilot in complex maneuvers during aerial combat. Additionally, the Tejas MK1A features the DARE Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, which has a radar warning receiver (RWR), self- protection jammer, and chaff-flare dispenser, and helps protect the aircraft from enemy radars and missiles. What weapons are equipped on the Tejas MK1A? The Tejas MK1A fighter jet is equipped with a wide array of offensive and defensive armaments, including the the indigenously-built Astra Mk1 BVR air-to-air missile with 100+ km range, the ASRAAM missile for close aerial combat, the Rudram anti-radiation missile, SAAW Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, in addition to laser-guided bombs for precision ground strikes. The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F404-IN20 engine, which churns out 84 kN thrust, enabling the Tejas MK1A to reach a speed of up to Mach 1.8 and altitude of 52,000 feet. The warplane also has mid-air refuelling capability, which increases its flight duration and range. Tejas MK1 has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,500 kg, and is capable of carrying up to 8-9 tons of weapons. Why Tejas MK1A is being equipped with Astra Mk1 BVRAAM missile? The Astra Mk1 is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile developed by DRDO, which capable of striking enemy fighter jets from a distance of over 100 kms with pinpoint accuracy. Manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the missile is already equipped on the IAF's Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Tejas fleets. The homegrown BVR missile has a range of up to 110-km, and uses the indigenous AESA radar for precise strikes even when complex electronic countermeasures are deployed. The Astra MK1A can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.2, and costs Rs 7-8 crore per missile, making it a lot cheaper than its exported counterparts such as the MBDA Meteor, which cost a whopping Rs crore per unit. In August 2023, the first successful test fire of the Astra MK1 was conducted from a Tejas MK1 off the Goa coast at an altitude of 20,000 feet, while in March this year, the missile accurately struck its target from a 100+ km distance after being fired from a Tejas Mk1 prototype from Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
News18
27-06-2025
- Business
- News18
One B-2 Bomber Costs Rs 17,142 Crore. It's Enough To Buy 18 F-35s, 29 Tejas Mk1As Or 20 Rafales
If exported, the B-2 bomber's cost would rise further, and its maintenance runs into thousands of crores. Despite repeated demands from Israel, the U.S. has never sold it In a pivotal operation carried out on June 21–22, the United States deployed its advanced B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to strike three of Iran's nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The radar-evading aircraft dropped 14 GBU-57 'Massive Ordnance Penetrator' bombs, each weighing nearly 14,000 kg, targeting deeply buried sites. This marked the first combat use of the B-2 in such a high-stakes mission. Security experts hailed the operation as a display of unmatched aerial capability. The B-2, which costs billions to produce, remains exclusive to US forces and is not available for export. The B-2 Spirit bomber is not only the world's most dangerous but also the most expensive jet. According to Britannica Encyclopedia Online, developing a single B-2 Spirit bomber costs $2 billion (Rs 17,142 crores). If exported, its price would rise further, and its maintenance also runs into thousands of crores of rupees. Despite persistent demands from Israel, the United States has not sold this bomber to any country. How Many Tejas Jets For The Cost Of One B-2 Bomber? When comparing the B-2 Spirit bomber to India's indigenous Tejas MK1A fighter jet, the cost difference is stark. The B-2 Spirit bomber is priced at Rs 17,142 crores, whereas a single Tejas MK1A, developed by HAL, costs between Rs 600 to Rs 638 crores. Thus, India could produce 28 to 29 Tejas MK1A jets for the price of one B-2 Spirit bomber. The Tejas MK1A is a 4 or 4.5 generation ultra-modern fighter aircraft equipped with a state-of-the-art radar system. Even in terms of payload capacity—the ability to carry warheads—the B-2 bomber doesn't compare to the stealth jet. Compared to the B-2 bomber, another American fifth-generation aircraft—the F-35 Lightning II—is estimated to cost around $110 million (Rs 942 crore) per unit in the international defence market, according to media reports. Like the B-2 bomber, the F-35 is a stealth jet designed to evade radar detection. There are discussions about the potential sale of F-35 jets to India, though no official confirmation has been made. Eighteen F-35 jets could be acquired for the cost of one B-2 Spirit bomber. The base model of France's Dassault Rafale fighter jet is priced similarly to the F-35. However, the 36 Rafale jets purchased by India were heavily customised to meet specific requirements, bringing the cost of each aircraft to Rs 2,057 crore.
News18
24-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Tejas MK1A: How Does India's Indigenous Fighter Jet Match Up To Rafale And F-16?
Last Updated: The Tejas MK1A is a 4.5 generation multi-role fighter that draws favourable comparisons to the French Rafale, of which India has purchased 36 units from Dassault Aviation In a rapidly shifting global security environment, India is doubling down on military modernisation. With a volatile border with Pakistan, a looming and constant threat from China, and a critical need to upgrade its defence infrastructure, India's focus on indigenous military capabilities is sharper than ever. At the centre of this effort is the much-anticipated Tejas MK1A fighter jet, an advanced version of the homegrown Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). As tensions flare post-Operation Sindoor and China reportedly prepares to supply fifth-generation stealth jets to Pakistan, India's defence doctrine is pivoting. New procurement rules have been simplified, and major deals are being signed to bolster both defensive and offensive capabilities across the tri-services. While India remains engaged in long-term collaborations for future aircraft like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), HAL is preparing to deliver its first fleet of Tejas MK1A jets in the immediate term. HAL To Deliver Tejas MK1A By 2025-End Flight testing of the Tejas MK1A is slated for July, with HAL set to deliver the first batch of 12 aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by December 2025. This follows a significant contract signed in 2021 worth Rs 48,000 crore for 83 Tejas MK1As. A second mega-deal, pegged at Rs 67,000 crore, has since been inked for an additional 97 jets, bringing the total order close to 180 aircraft. Despite delays largely due to supply chain issues involving the F404-IN20 engine from US defence giant General Electric, the production pipeline is now gearing up. Three dedicated manufacturing lines, two in Bengaluru and one in Nashik, are set to roll out 24 jets annually, each capable of reaching a blistering top speed of 2,222 km/h (Mach 1.8). The Tejas MK1A is a 4.5 generation multi-role fighter that draws favourable comparisons to the French Rafale, of which India has purchased 36 units from Dassault Aviation at great expense. Unlike Rafale, however, Tejas has been fully customised for integration with Indian missiles, including future compatibility with the BrahMos cruise missile. This solves a significant limitation with the Rafale platform, which required years of negotiation for such integration. Built for versatility, the MK1A supports a wide array of weapons – from Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles to air-to-ground and air-to-air variants. BVR missiles enable the pilot to lock and destroy targets that are not even visible on radar, offering strategic superiority in combat scenarios. Is Tejas MK1A Better Than F-16? Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the Tejas MK1A is how it stacks up against the US F-16, which forms the backbone of Pakistan's air fleet. While the F-16 remains a robust combat aircraft, many of Pakistan's jets date back to the 1980s. In contrast, Tejas MK1A boasts state-of-the-art avionics, electronic warfare suites, and an indigenously integrated Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, offering superior tracking and targeting capabilities. Defence experts argue that in certain categories like radar immunity and sensor fusion, Tejas MK1A even edges out the F-16. Its modular structure and indigenous systems make it easier to maintain, upgrade, and weaponise according to national requirements, something foreign aircraft often fall short on due to restricted access to sensitive technologies. While India is exploring the acquisition of fifth-generation jets like the US F-35 or Russia's Su-57E, pricing and tech-transfer clauses remain a sticking point. Some reports suggest India is leaning toward the Su-57E due to more favourable terms. However, the true long-term answer lies in the AMCA project, a fully indigenous fifth-generation stealth jet being co-developed by HAL and DRDO. Until then, the Tejas MK1A remains the spearhead of India's indigenisation push, bridging the gap between existing legacy fighters and future stealth platforms. The Indian Air Force currently operates just 32 squadrons – well below the sanctioned strength of 42 needed for a potential two-front conflict. By rapidly scaling up Tejas MK1A production and pushing forward with indigenous R&D, India is attempting to plug this gap without becoming overly reliant on foreign defence contractors.
