India - Air Force Hindustan Tejas LA-5017

Photographer's remark
(26.3.2024, 10:14 CET)
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is an Indian Single-engine, Delta-Wing, Light Multi-role Fighter jet designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with HAL for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It was developed from the Light Combat Aircraft program, which began in the 1980s to replace India's aging MiG-21 fighters but later became part of a general fleet modernization program. In 2003, the LCA was officially named "Tejas", meaning "Brilliance" in Hindi. The Tejas is the second fighter developed by HAL after the HF-24 Marut. The Tejas achieved Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2011 and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) in 2019. The first Tejas squadron became operational in 2016, as No. 45 Squadron “Flying Daggers”. It is based at Sulur Air Force Station, Coimbatore, and was the first to have its MiG-21s replaced by Tejas aircraft. Currently, there are three production models of the Tejas - Mark 1 (seen in the above picture), Mark 1A, and a Trainer version. The IAF has ordered 32 Mark 1s, 83 Mark 1As, and 18 Mark 1 trainer aircraft. Eventually, the IAF plans to procure over 300 aircraft in all variants, including the Tejas Mark 2 which is currently under development. The shortcomings of the Mark 1, such as the increased weight and reduced speed would be addressed in the upcoming Tejas Mark 1A aircraft by increasing the use of composites in manufacturing and reducing the supersonic drag by using more aerodynamic pylons. The MK1A will also have a radar warning receiver, a self-protection jammer, updated avionics, and electronic warfare capabilities, among other improvements. The Tejas Mark 2 aircraft will feature structural redesign and modifications, increased internal fuel capacity, a more powerful GE F414 INS6 engine, and UTTAM AESA Radar among other upgrades. The Tejas Mark 1 is powered by General Electric’s F404-IN20 engine. The aircraft can fire a plethora of Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface Missiles, Bombs, Guided, and Unguided munition. Tejas Mark 1 airframe registered LA-5017 belonging to the No. 18 Squadron “Flying Bullets” is seen here performing on the Inaugural Day of AERO INDIA 2023 Air Show, in front of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Yelahanka Airforce Station.

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