Designed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), the multi-role Tejas fighter can perform the roles of air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike, switching between roles with the press of a button.

Tejas is built to be an inherently unstable fighter, with a sophisticated quadruplex flight control system. This allows the pilot carefree handling and enhanced manoeuvrability.

This multi-role capability is further enhanced by the Tejas’ multi-mode airborne radar, helmet-mounted display system, a self-protection suite and a laser designation pod.

The first 20 Tejas Mark 1 fighters formed the IAF’s Number 45 Squadron — the “Flying Daggers.” Over the years, 45 Squadron has flown Vampires, Gnats and then the MiG-21 BIS, before being equipped with the Tejas Mark 1.

All the aircraft flown by the Flying Daggers have been manufactured in India — first under licensed production and then, like the Tejas, designed and developed in India as well.

In May 2020, No 18 Squadron became the second IAF unit to operate the Tejas – still in its Mark 1 variant. [The IAF followed up those 40 fighters with another order for 83 more in a more advanced varient called the Mark 1A.

The IAF’s confidence in the Tejas is underlined by the latest order for 83 Mark-1A fighters. These will have updated avionics, an active electronically steered radar, an updated electronic warfare suite and a beyond visual range missile capability.

The new LCA variant will be capable of firing a range of weapons, missiles and cannon-fire from increased stand-off ranges. The Tejas LCA Mark 1A will see a substantial increase in the overall indigenous content of the aircraft.

Contracted deliveries of the aircraft are expected to commence in February 2024. In the years to come, the LCA and its future variants will form an important mainstay of the IAF.

The IAF has showcased the DRDO’s indigenous aerospace design, development and production capabilities by displaying the aircraft at various international air displays.

These include the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Aerospace in Malaysia, Dubai Air Show-2021, Sri Lanka Air Force anniversary celebrations in 2021, Singapore Air Show- 2022 and Aero India Shows from 2017 to 2023.

After participating in numerous exercises in the Indian skies with foreign air forces, Tejas made its debut abroad in March 2023 in Exercise Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

First flight                 August 25, 2003                          January 4, 2001

Entry into service     March 12, 2007                           January 17, 2015

Numbers in service     Over 100                             40, with 83 more on order

Engine Type         Klimov RD-93 Turbofan                    GE F-404 turbofan

Range                           3,482 km                                         3,000 km

Top speed                1,910 km/hour                                2,205 km/hour

Empty weight               9,000 kg                                          6,500 kg

Max take-off weight    13,500 kg                                        13,500 kg

Payload                         4,500 kg                                          5,300 kg

Fuel capacity                5,400 litres                                       6,400 litres

Combat range               1,200 km                                         1,500 km

Rate of climb          300 metres/second                             Not Known Yet

1 x 23 mm Gasha cannon

8 x hard points for free-fall bombs, missiles, rockets

1 x 23 mm Gasha cannon

9 x hard points for free-fall bombs, missiles, rockets