HAL Tejas

LCA programme In the 1980s, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had been operating ageing fighter aircraft such as the MiG-21. The MiG-21 had been the mainstay of the IAF since 1963, and the IAF had operated 874 of these aircraft in the past. The Long Term Re-Equipment Plan of 1981 of the Ministry of Defence noted that most of these fighter aircraft were approaching the end of their service lives by the early-1990s, and that by 1995, the IAF would be 40 percent short of the aircraft needed to fill its projected force structure requirements. In 1983, the Government of India established the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme with the initial goal of developing a new light combat aircraft to replace the ageing fleet of the IAF. In 1984, the government established the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to manage the LCA programme. The government's requirements for the aircraft included the following: fly-by-wire flight control system, multi-mode pulse-doppler radar, and afterburning turbofan engine. The project definition phase commenced in October 1986. Kota Harinarayana was appointed as the director and chief designer of the LCA programme. While the project was initially conceived to replace the MiG-21 aircraft, the Minister of Defence told the Indian Parliament in 2021 that the aircraft is no longer considered as a replacement for the MiG-21, and is part of a general IAF fleet modernisation programme. Design The design of the LCA was finalised in 1990 as a small tailless compound delta wing design with relaxed static stability. To provide enhanced manoeuvrability, it was planned to be a control configured vehicle incorporating a digital fly by wire flight control system. This delayed the programme partly by about 18 months. The quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system was developed in house for the LCA. The CLAW team completed the design and integration of the flight control laws with the flight control system software, with the aid of an Iron Bird test rig. The flight control system conducted over 50 hours of pilot testing on the test rig. For the multi-mode radar (MMR), the team intended to use the Ericsson–Ferranti PS-05/A I/J-band multi-function radar used on Saab JAS 39 Gripen. However, DRDO later decided to develop an indigenous radar for the aircraft. DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) laboratory and HAL were jointly assigned the MMR development programme, and with the work commencing in 1997. The Centre for Airborne Systems was responsible for the MMR's test programme, and a HS-748 airborne surveillance aircraft was re-fitted for the purpose. By 2005, only two radar modes–the air-to-air look-up and look-down were successfully tested, and the performance of other modes that had been tested were rated as sub-optimal. The Israeli Elta EL/M-2032 multi-mode and EL/M-2052 Active electronically scanned array radar units were selected for the Mk1 and initial Mk 1A aircraft respectively. The ADA was successful in the development and manufacturing of carbon fibre composite structures and skins, and a glass cockpit for the aircraft. The Autolay computer-aided design software developed as part of the LCA programme was later licensed to Airbus for its A380 wide-body aircraft project. For the LCA programme, Amphenol provided loom assemblies, Lakshmi Machine Works produced air intakes, and Tata Advanced Systems manufactured the composite parts. Prototypes and testing On 4 January 2001, the first technology demonstrator (TD-1) successfully achieved flight. and Python-5 close combat missiles, the I-Derby ER beyond visual range air-to-air missile and guided–unguided munition releases. The LSPs were also used for sensor trials involving integration and testing of the Israeli Elta EL/M-2032 multi-mode radar, and EL/M-2052 AESA radar, and the Indian Uttam AESA Radar and hot weather trials were carried out with the LSPs and the PV-3 prototype, in IOC and FOC configurations. LSP-4 completed the successful trial of BDL developed Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS) with R-73 missile on 2 December 2010. It worked well Open Architecture Mission Computer and Digital Stores Management System. In the second half of 2012, the Tejas fleet was grounded for over three months and the ejection system had to be modified to resume flight tests by the end of 2012. In 2013, Tejas (LSP-7) conducted an inflight engine relight test at high altitude to assess the engine response on flameout, a critical parameter for operational clearance. The inflight engine relight test is crucial for single engine combat aircraft. On 15 April 2023, HAL received a flight clearance certificate for the Aircraft Mounted Accessory Gear Box (AMAGB) bearings and power take-off shaft. The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) also gave clearance for the pre-production of landing gear seals developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) and Fluoro Carbon Seals Limited. Operational clearance stationed at Sulur Air Force Station In December 2006, the IAF announced that it would form an "LCA Induction Team" to manage the aircraft's service introduction. The Tejas was awarded initial operational clearance-I (IOC-I) in January 2011. To ease up the process of FOC, an interim IOC-II was issued to Tejas in December 2013. The IOC-II expanded the g-limit, angle of attack and allowed the aircraft to carry precision guided munitions and close combat missiles. The IOC-II Tejas have an operational radius of . The first squadron, consisting of Tejas in IOC-II configuration, became operational in 2016. The No. 45 Squadron IAF based at Sulur Air Force Station, Coimbatore was the first to have their MiG-21s replaced by Tejas aircraft at the base. The FOC campaign began in December 2014. by 30% and doubles the sortie rate. On 20 February 2019, during the Aero India 2019 show, FOC was formally awarded to the Tejas. The HAL handed over the FOC certificate to the then Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa at the Yelahanka Air Force base. After the formal ceremoney, ACM Dhanoa stated that Tejas was "ready" and "behaved like a true fighter". The second Tejas squadron – No.18 Flying Bullets was formed at Sulur Air Force Station on 27 May 2020 with the first four serial production FOC aircraft. A full mission simulator (FMS) phase-1 was commissioned at Sulur Air Force Station on 23 October 2021. Phase 1 of the FMS features training in aircraft handling and full envelope flying. Phase 2 will further augment the training with focus on weapons system and advance sensors onboard Tejas. Upgrades and further development s on inner pylons In May 2015, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) noted some shortcomings in the then-delivered Tejas Mark 1 IOC standard aircraft, which according to the CAG would limit the ability to survive and operation deployment of the aircraft in actual combat. A few of these shortcomings, including lack of combat endurance, were addressed in the Tejas Mark 1 FOC configuration aircraft. Tejas Mark 1 FOC is modified to perform in-flight refuelling from Ilyushin Il-78 and Sukhoi Su-30MKI. Tejas is also undergoing butt firing trials and air-to-air firing at HAL, Nashik facility with Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23. The shortcomings, 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 AESA radar, a self-protection jammer, The shortcomings identified by CAG that require redesign and structural modification such as increasing internal fuel capacity, are planned to be rectified in the Tejas Mark 2. An agreement has been signed by the Indian Air Force and the Aeronautical Development Agency to include advanced weaponry and sensors into HAL Tejas. By transferring technical know-how for the smooth integration of weapons and sensors, ADA and the IAF's Software Development Institute (SDI) hope to empower the IAF to carry out integration and flight testing on its own. On 5 March 2024, the high-altitude testing for On-Board Oxygen Generating System centric Life Support System (OBOGS-ILSS) of Tejas was successfully completed by DRDO. It could be used in MiG-29K, Tejas Mk2, AMCA, TEDBF and other aircraft with modifications. LCA PV-3 aircraft were used to test the system under a variety of flight conditions, including high g force and altitudes of up to . OBOGS oxygen concentrations, demand breathing, 100% oxygen availability, and aerobatic maneuvers at the necessary altitudes for complete functional testing were carried out following CEMILAC flight approval. All of the parameters have been met by the system which will replace the earlier Liquid Oxygen System (LOX). In December 2025, the Indian Air Force inducted the indigenously developed Hybrid Brake Parachute developed by Gliders India Limited (GIL). The lightweight parachute is meant to increase landing safety in case of emergency situations like high-speed recovery and reduces landing run. The chute weighs 10 kg, spans 5.75 m and covered an area of 17 m2 and has a Uni-Cross main canopy design. It can be deployed at emergency speeds of up to . Naval variant The Naval LCA programme was commenced in 2003. According to ADA, the Naval LCA (N-LCA) Programme was envisaged to be completed in two phases, under Phase-1 two naval prototypes were developed - the two-seat NP-1 and the single-seat NP-2, based on the Tejas Mark 1 design, to carryout carrier suitability certification and weapons integration. Under Phase 2, two single-seat prototypes were planned to be built, based on the Tejas Mark 2 design, with further design optimisation and integration of the General Electric F414 INS6 engine. The first naval prototype NP-1 was rolled out in July 2010, The naval LCA has stronger landing gear to absorb the forces generated during carrier take off and arrested recovery. In December 2014, the LCA Navy successfully made its first ski-jump assisted take off from a SBTF at . The navy variant has a distinctive flight control law mode which allows hands-free take-off. and issued a fresh RFI for the procurement of 57 multi-role carrier borne fighters. Because the technologies developed for the Tejas programme will be carried over to other platforms currently being developed by the ADA, test flying was continued. In 2019, an LCA navy prototype successfully carried out the first arrested landing at the SBTF in Goa in day time and night time. As of December 2019, the Naval LCA programme completed 209 test flights, In Aero India 2021, a new twin engine naval fighter was unveiled, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). The experience gained in the N-LCA programme will help in the development of TEDBF. In February 2023, the naval prototype completed its maiden landing and take-off from the indigenous aircraft carrier . File:LCA Navy onboard Vikrant.jpg|Tejas catching the wire on File:Tejas takeoff from INS Vikrant with afterburner on.jpg|Tejas takeoff from File:LCA Tejas maiden landing onboard INS Vikrant (R11).webm|Tejas landing onboard File:LCA Navy maiden take-off from INS Vikrant (R11).webm|Tejas take off from File:Tejas on INS Vikrant ready for takeoff.jpg|Tejas on 's flight deck Tejas Mark 1A The Mk 1A variant was first realised as a compromised variant in 2015 while Manohar Parrikar was the Defence Minister. The variant would include four major upgrades including integration of smart munitions and electronic warfare suites. This was due to the already delayed first flight schedule of Tejas Mk2 of 2022. The schedule was further delayed to 2023 (by 2021) and to 2026 (as of 2025). To better accommodate the pilots, cockpit floor is also reshaped. Tejas Mark 1A will use indigenously developed Angad electronic warfare suite and DRDO Advanced Self Protection Jammer pod. BEL will supply 20 types of locally developed critical avionics and upgrades such as Digital Flight Control Computers from ADA, Air Data Computer from DRDO, Weapon Computers from ADE, Radar Warning Receiver from Combat Aircraft Systems Development & Integration Centre, and Head-up display from Central Scientific Instruments Organisation from 2023 to 2028 for ₹2,400 crore. In order to produce the BMI Engine Bay Door for the Tejas Mark 1A, HAL and National Aerospace Laboratories inked a technology transfer agreement. For the engine bay door, where it must survive a service temperature of roughly 200 °C, NAL Advanced Composites Division is creating a manufacturing process technique that uses Carbon-BMI Prepreg to create co-cured composite structures that are very temperature resistant. On 28 March 2024, Tejas Mark 1A, equipped with the first set of Carbon-BMI Engine Bay Door assembly, successfully completed the inaugural flight from HAL facility. On 19 April 2024, ADA delivered the first batch of Secondary Flight Control of Tejas Mk 1A which consists of an indigenously designed leading-edge slat and Airbrake Control Module. These flight control systems features "state-of-the-art Servo-Valve based electro-hydraulic servo actuators and control modules." The development was the result of the collaboration between ADA, Research Centre Imarat, and Central Manufacturing Technology Institute. The technology is ready to be integrated with production variants of Tejas Mk 1A as it successfully completed flight trials. These are being produced at HAL Accessories Division in Lucknow. On 30 May 2025, the first centre fuselage assembly for the Tejas Mk 1A was handed over to HAL by subcontractor VEM Technologies in Hyderabad. Milestones • According to HAL Chairman and Director R Madhavan, the design activity of Tejas Mark 1A is moving ahead, and the testing of subsystems will be completed by 2021. The taxi trials will commence in the first half of 2022, and the first flight of Mark 1A prototype will happen in the second half of 2022. • On 20 May 2022, the Tejas Mark 1A prototype completed its first flight. HAL intends to obtain a certificate from Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) within 30 months before this version enters mass production. • On 28 March 2024, the first production series Mark 1A aircraft (LA 5033) conducted its inaugural flight which lasted for 18 minutes. The aircraft will undergo more testing before being officially transferred to the IAF. Tejas Mark 2 The HAL Tejas design has been further developed into the Tejas Mark 2, incorporating a more powerful General Electric F414 INS6 engine, canards and other design changes. The Tejas Mark 2, which is expected to be rolled out in 2025, will have an increased payload carrying capacity and internal fuel capacity, more external hardpoints, improved combat range, a completely redesigned cockpit, and an integrated infrared search and track (IRST) system, in addition to the AESA radar. The Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) is developing aircraft health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) to integrate the various sensors on board the Tejas Mark 2. The first flight of Tejas Mark 2 is expected to be in late 2025 or early 2026. Program costs Development costs • LCA Programme - (up to March 2020) • Kaveri engine programme - Flyaway costs • for IOC Mark 1 (2014) • for FOC Mark 1 (2010) ==Design==

Overview The Tejas is a single-engine multirole combat aircraft which has a tailless, compound delta wing design with "relaxed static stability" for enhanced manoeuvrability and agility. The Tejas is a multi-role combat aircraft and its flexibility permits it to carry out Interception, air-to-surface and anti-shipping roles in a single mission. The wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics analysis have optimised the design of Tejas for minimum transonic and supersonic wave drag, as well low wing-loading. It has an aerial refuelling probe on the starboard side of the forward fuselage. The Tejas weapon suite consists of I-Derby ER and Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missiles and R-73, Python-5 and ASRAAM close combat missiles. The BrahMos-NG supersonic cruise missile is being developed for the Tejas. The relatively smaller size, extensive use of airframe composites, the Y-duct inlet which shields the engine compressor blades, the application of radar-absorbent material (RAM) coatings carbon-fibre composite materials are used in the construction of the Tejas. The composite materials constitute 45% of the airframe by weight and 90% by surface area, the highest among contemporary aircraft. The upper and lower wing surfaces, wing spars and wing ribs are also made out of carbon-fibre composites, while the fin tip is made out of fiberglass. The extensive use of composite materials in the airframe not only makes the aircraft lighter but also gives high strength. This also reduces the number of joints or rivets, increases the aircraft's structural integrity and lowers its susceptibility to fatigue cracks. Initially the Tejas prototypes were equipped with a radome made out of Kevlar which was replaced with a quartz radome in the production aircraft. The two-seat LCA Navy variant (NP-1) have aerodynamic commonality with the trainer variant. The Secondary Flight Control of Tejas Mk 1A consists of an indigenously designed Leading Edge Slats and Airbrake Control Module. Aeronautical Development Agency, on 19 April 2024, delivered the first batch of these flight control system. These flight control systems features "state-of-the-art Servo-Valve based electro-hydraulic servo actuators and control modules." The technology is ready to be integrated with production variants of Tejas Mk 1A as it successfully completed flight trials. These are being produced at Accessories Division, HAL, Lucknow. It has an electronic warfare (EW) suite domestically developed by Defence Avionics Research Establishment, which consists of a radar warning receiver (RWR), integrated self-protection jammer, chaff and flare dispenser system. The upgraded variant of the Tejas Mark 1, named the Tejas Mark 1A have an AESA radar, new high performance digital flight control computer (DFCC Mk1A), new EW suite and updated avionics. jamming and deception capabilities. The Mark 1A will have software-defined radio-based secure communications and network-centric warfare capabilities. (in green and red), Litening III (in metallic grey) and Vympel R-73E (in white) The Tejas can also carry pod-based sensors such as forward looking infrared (FLIR). Currently the Tejas is cleared to carry the Rafael Litening III targeting/reconnaissance pod, while an advanced version named Litening 4I will be integrated on the Tejas. The Litening 4I pod, developed by the C4I systems division of Rafael, enables the aircraft to carry out reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence gathering, in addition to target acquisition. The Tejas has an integrated health-monitoring system. For life support, Tejas Mark 1 relies on conventional liquid oxygen LOX system, while an onboard oxygen-generation system (OBOGS) has been developed for Tejas Mark 1A. The ADA has developed virtual reality assisted cockpit simulator for Tejas, and N-LCA. The DRDO-developed fighter aircraft escape system has passed the high-speed rocket-sled test at controlled did at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of the TBRL in Chandigarh in December 2025. Tejas Mk 1A's Swayam Raksha Kavach EW package, which includes the Advanced Self Protection Jammer pod and the Dhruti DR118 RWR, is based on the D-29 EW Suite developed for the MiG-29. The RWR has four channel wide band receivers, which enhance the possibility of detecting and precisely determining the direction of enemy airborne and ground-based radars. The LSP-3 (KH2013) aircraft was used to test the SRK EW suite for an integrated mode of operation with internal RWR sensor and the ASPJ pod. It included a restricted multi-emitter test scenario for ground and aerial radar jamming. In 2023, several tests and sorties were carried out to check the integration of the SRK EW suite with Uttam radar. As of 30 October 2025, the EW suite is undergoing flight trials which is scheduled to conclude by mid-2026. Development of the system started in 2021, and deployment is anticipated by the end of 2026. While the RWR is integrated within the aircraft, the ASPJ pod will be mounted on a hardpoint. digital flight control computer developed by BEL. The fly-by-wire flight control system of the Tejas has an advanced feature called auto low-speed recovery. This enables envelope protection at low speed and high angles of attack. It prevents the aircraft from entering into uncontrolled flight while maneuvering. Another feature is disorientation recovery function, once engaged it will recover the aircraft to an optimal altitude, airspeed and level flight. Some of the flight control laws for these features were formulated by the IIT Bombay research university. On 19 February 2024, Tejas Mark-1A prototype LSP-7 successfully completed sortie with indigenously designed high performance Digital Flight Control Computer. The system was developed by Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE). The latest DFCC has a quadraplex PowerPC-based processor, a fast I/O controller based on an autonomous state machine, increased computational throughput, and sophisticated on-board software that satisfies DO-178C level-A safety regulations. All important metrics and the flight controls' performance were deemed adequate during the flying test. Propulsion Developing an indigenous jet engine for Tejas was one of the five self-reliance goals identified at the beginning of the LCA Programme. A programme led by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to design and develop an indigenous powerplant, the Kaveri, was launched as early as in 1986. However Kaveri jet engine development faced some setbacks, hence the General Electric F404-GE-F2J3 afterburning turbofan engine was procured as an interim solution. Since 2004, uprated General Electric F404-GE-IN20 engines are being used on LSP, Naval prototypes and Mark 1 variants of Tejas. The production Tejas Mark 1 is powered by the F404-IN20 engine, with the same power-plant intended to power Mark 1A variant also, while the heavier Tejas Mark 2 will be powered by a General Electric F414-INS6 engine. == Serial production ==

Orders • First Tejas Mk1 contract (total 20 jets): • 31 March 2006 — Indian Government on behalf of the Indian Air Force placed an initial order for 20 LCA Tejas, from HAL, for delivery by December 2011. The order comprised 4 twin seat trainers, and 16 single seat Tejas IOC II. • September 2024 — The delivery, scheduled for completion in 2011, was finally completed. • Second Tejas Mk1 contract (total 20 jets): • 23 December 2010 — Indian Government ordered 20 additional LCA Tejas, comprising 4 twin seat trainers, and 16 single seat Tejas FOC bringing the total aircraft to 40. It was to be delivered by December 2016. • 10 January 2025 — 38 of the 40 aircraft have been delivered and the last two trainers would be delivered soon. • First Tejas Mk 1A 2021 contract (total 83 jets): • August 2018 — The Defence Acquisition Council accorded Acceptance of Necessity for procurement of 73 Tejas Mk 1A aircraft with active electronically scanned array radar, beyond-visual-range missile, self-protection jammer, and aerial refueling capabilities. The rest of 10 trainer aircraft would be of Tejas Mk1 standard. • 13 January 2021 — Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the procurement of 73 single seater Tejas Mk 1A and 10 twin seater trainer Tejas Mk1 at the cost of with additional funds for Design & Development and Infrastructure worth . • 3 February 2021 — Ministry of Defence signed the contract with HAL on the inaugural day of Aero India 2021 at a cost of almost . • 17 August 2021 — HAL signed a contract with GE worth to supply 99 F404 engines and service support by 2029. • Second Tejas Mk 1A contract (total 97 jets): • 16 September 2023 — Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari stated that the IAF has decided to order 97 more Mark 1A fighter jets including 29 Tejas Mk 1A standard trainer jets. • 12 April 2024 — MoD issued tender to HAL for 97 Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets. Clearance for the deal expected to be received from CCS in December 2024 and deal to be signed by year-end. • August 2025 — Negotiations for additional F404 engines is expected to be completed this month, while the contract for 97 Tejas Mark 1A was cleared by the CCS on 19 August 2025 for . • 25 September 2025 — The agreement was signed one day prior to the retirement of MiG-21 on September 26 and was valued at . Along with related equipment, the 97 jets would consist of 29 twin-seaters and 68 fighters. The delivery is expected to start in 2027–2028 and conclude in the next six years. In comparison to the 2021 deal, this order will include 67 additional items and more than 64% indigenous content. These jets will incorporate control surface actuators, Swayam Raksha Kavach EW Suite, and Uttam AESA Radar. • October 2025 — HAL is expected to place an additional order for 113 F404 engines worth $1 billion this month. The contract signing was earlier expected in September. • 7 November 2025 — A contract for 113 F404 engines and the related support package, valued at about , was signed. Delivery are scheduled to start in 2027 and will conclude by 2032. • Delivery schedule — As per a report by Moneycontrol on 19 November 2025, the first batch of eight Mark 1A aircraft is expected to be delivered within the next 24–36 months. Additionally, HAL plans to deliver three major tranche of 24 aircraft to be delivered following months 37, 49 and 61 with the final batch of 12 aircraft to be delivered between month 73 and 84. Hence, the delivery timeline is expected to end in late 2032. Production lines • Bengaluru Plant I: HAL's first Tejas production line is situated at Bangalore near HAL Airport. The production line was set up at a cost of , with HAL holding 50% stake and the rest held by IAF and Navy. First serial production aircraft delivered in 2015 with production rate of 8 per year. • Bengaluru Plant II: In March 2017, Government of India sanctioned for setting up an additional production line under Aircraft Division, HAL. This would increase the production capacity from 8 to 16. Production of sub-components like Front Fuselage, Centre Fuselage, Rear Fuselage, Wings were outsourced to private partners. with the first example then expected by the end of April 2025. The first Tejas Mk 1A took its first flight on 17 October 2024 after being inaugurated by the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh. • The facility is spread on and employs 30 structural assembly jigs for all major aircraft modules like the centre fuselage, front fuselage, rear fuselage, wings and air intake. The facility outsources 40% of its workshare to private firms and plans to enhance annual aircraft output to 10 in two years. • Nashik Plant II: HAL also plans to setup another production line at Nashik to ramp up production capacity from 24 to 32 as reported on 10 January 2025. The line can start production within one and a half years of sanction. The establishment of the plant is subject to a regular supply of GE engines. Delivery Mark 1 contracts On 1 October 2014, LCA-SP1 aircraft took the first flight. On 17 January 2015 the aircraft was delivered to the Indian Air Force. Left head till then flow on 5 sorties to test various equipment. Due to delays in production the cost per aircraft rose from in 2006 to in 2015. However, the aircraft was not inducted into a squadron till 2016 until sufficient numbers were delivered by HAL. The aircraft would also require additional flight hours before induction. Expected delivery timeline was as follows: SP-2 in March, up to SP-5 by June, up to SP-8 by March 2016; completing a total of 8 aircraft. When the first order was placed in 2006, it was expected that ADA would receive Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) by 2008. Induction was scheduled by December 2011. However, IOC was originally received in December 2013 and the first IOC variant was delivered in FY2016-17. The first front fuselage of Tejas Mk1 FOC aircraft for the second order was delivered by Dynamatic Technologies on 2 November 2020. By August 2023, the delivery of all 32 single-seat Tejas Mk 1 aircraft (IOC and FOC) were completed. IAF has received first LCA Tejas twin seater aircraft from HAL on 4 October 2023. Next trainer variant delivery expected by 31 March. As of 18 September 2024, 4 trainer aircraft have been delivered to IAF while the rest of 4 are to be delivered by March 2025. As of 5 February 2025, the final two trainer aircraft remains undelivered since they are yet to meet the Air Service Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs) of the IAF. In December 2023, it was reported that the IAF has plans to raise the first squadron of Tejas Mark 1A at Nal Air Force Station. Later in June 2024, it was confirmed that No. 3 Squadron and No. 23 Squadron would be the first units to operate the Mk 1A variant replacing their in-service MiG 21s. The delivery of the first aircraft itself was shifted to the end of March 2024. By then, the IAF's latest requests for software upgrades and minor design changes caused the delay in delivery timeline, according to sources within the military and defence establishment. Also, a number of certifications were pending. The delivery of essential components that were ordered from Israel, Russia and Ukraine have also been delayed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. All of which is impacting the production and delivery schedule. In May 2024, the MoD asked HAL in May to deliver at least 18 Tejas Mk 1A by March 2025 and the entire 180 jets (including later 97 Tejas Mk 1A order) within 10 years. Subsequently, the delivery dates were shifted several times from February 2024 to July-end (as of May), to 15 August (as of July) and again to November (as of August). In August, the first aircraft was undergoing critical flight tests with weapons trials to be expected soon while the second was in high speed taxi trials phase. The next 4 units were in advanced stages of production. HAL then planned to manufacture at least 14 airframes in "ready-to-go state" by the fiscal year in order to ensure swift engine integration and aircraft deliveries within few weeks after arrival of new engines. The same month, a report suggested that the fighter aircraft's Israeli software integration being finished and is undergoing final trials and deliveries could begin from October 2024. The delivery could begin with Category B engines, referring to the engines previously used or procured from GE. The F404-IN20 engine delivery had been shifted to arrive in November 2024. There was an additional problem for the delivery. General Electric had closed down the production line of F404-IN20 at Lynn, Massachusetts engines earlier without further prospects of orders from India and the first engine was yet to be delivered even in October 2024. First engine delivery dates were delayed to September 2024 as of then and followed by a production rate of two per month. By November, engine deliveries was delayed by 10 months. Engine deliveries were again shifted to April 2025 though uncertainties remained. The reason for delay was cited as supply chain issues since a South Korean firm with financial issues failed to deliver certain components of the engine. HAL had 5-6 aircraft ready for delivery. The Mk 1A is in the final stages of trials before delivery. Following the orders, a lengthy process of sorting out supply chain problems was undertaken and the F404 production line at Boston restarted by late 2024 to enable deliveries after a stagnation of 5 years. As of 10 January 2025, GE had a backlog of 26 engines. Secretary of Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar stated during Aero India's 2025 edition that Tejas' production line was stabilized, both with HAL and GE engines, and that Tejas' supply will follow the original plan starting in 2025–2026 when 16 to 24 jets would be delivered. On 9 March 2025, the first rear fuselage for Tejas Mk 1A was delivered to HAL by Alpha Tocol Engineering Services. Also, 12 rear fuselages manufactured by HAL was also ready on production line. As of 16 March 2025, the first Tejas Mk 1A from the Nashik (Ozar) production line is expected to be rolled out in April. After a two-year delay from the anticipated timeframes, the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines was rolled out from GE's factory on 25 March 2025, signaling the start of deliveries. The engine will be further tested at the HAL plant when it arrives in India in April. HAL produced three aircraft in 2025, will receive twelve engines from GE, and plans to produce eleven more aircraft by the end of 2025. As of 30 March, Tejas Mk 1A was undergoing extra firing and EW trials. Also, the first Tejas Mk 1A is expected to be delivered from Nashik facility in the first quarter of FY 2025–26 after the HAL gets physical possession of the first engine in India in early April. Tejas Mk 1A failed an Astra Mk1 trial during the trials. This was followed by the delivery of second centre fuselage on 4 September 2025. Each unit needs a total of 1,595 parts to be manufactured before they are assembled. HAL officials inspect every component at every stage of their production. The firm is scheduled to deliver a total of five fuselage units by year-end. As of June 2025, the first aircraft is now expected to be delivered by the end of the month from the Nashik plant. Further, HAL chief revealed that the company has six jets ready on the production line, all of which are to be delivered to IAF by March 2026. Also, 12 engines in addition to the one delivered so far are expected to be delivered by General Electric to HAL within the same timeframe while the latter also expects to deliver 16 jets in fiscal year 2026-27 given that there is a steady engine supply from GE. On 8 July, PK Mishra, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, visited the HAL's LCA Tejas Assembly Hangar and Aerospace Division to review the progress of the programme. Mishra was shown that six Tejas Mk 1A single-seat and two twin-seat trainer variants on the assembly line fitted with "some other test engines" which would be replaced by GE F404-IN20 engines when delivered. Additionally, the two new engines will reportedly arrive in the same month, as per reports. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also confirmed that GE will deliver two engines per month from July 2025 to March 2026. The next engine is to be delivered by the end of the month. While HAL has limited Category B engines, these available engines are being rotated among new aircraft to conduct test flights. On 13 July, it was reported that the second engine had been dispatched for delivery to HAL. The unit reached India on 14 July. Additionally, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) completed the construction of the first pair of private sector-manufactured wings. Reportedly, the official delivery was undertaken with a ceremony on 17 July at Precision Engineering & Systems Complex of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, the three sections of the fuselage have been already delivered by the respective private sector counterparts. With almost the entire aero structure produced by private sector companies, HAL will remain the final integrator and will ensure the assembly, testing, and certification of Tejas at its Final Assembly Lines at Nashik and Bangalore. As reported on 28 July, the aircraft were moving towards its "next phase" and is ready to "roll out". The testing of Astra Mk1 BVRAAM is scheduled for early August 2025. On 11 August, the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) approved the flight clearance for the Tejas Mk 1A aircraft produced by HAL's Nashik division. The Additional Director General, AQA, also formally handed over the Flight Clearance Document to the executive director of the Nashik division. The Office of the Additional Director General (OADG), a field establishment of DGAQA, in Nashik was also responsible for the Transfer of Technology of LCA Mk 1A to the Nashik division. As of 19 August, the first two of the jets were "fully ready" and their final weapons trial was due by September. As of 30 August, 10 airframes of Tejas Mk 1A are ready with 2 of them equipped with newly delivered engines, including one from the Nashik plant. In early September, the dates were again pushed to October, still subject to the jets' weapons trials, including Astra missile, ASRAAM and laser-guided bomb trials, which is underway As of 16 September, there are overall 24 airframes in the production lines combined of which eight are ready for delivery while two have been integrated with the new engines. Seven further engines would be delivered to HAL this year followed by 20 units next year. The two aircraft began their weapons trials involving ASRAAM missiles in the country's eastern sector which will be followed by Astra trials. After the Astra firing from Tejas Mk 1A in late March failed, the DRDL was compelled to undertake certain software tweaks to address the shortcomings and HAL is now awaiting approval from CEMILAC's safety review board to continue with its trials. On 1 October, the fourth engine was delivered to HAL. By 3 October, the weapons firing trials of the first two aircraft was completed, which included Astra and ASRAAM missiles trials, and were ready to be delivered following necessary certifications. The third production line of Tejas Mk1A along with the second production line of HTT-40 at HAL's Nashik facility was inaugurated by the Defence Minister on 17 October, from the Nashik plant conducted its maiden flight and had already completed its assembly and pre-flight trials. Although HAL was scheduled to deliver 10 Tejas Mk 1A aircraft to the Indian Air Force in FY2025-26, the numbers were revised to five in December 2025. The second set of wings from Larsen & Toubro was delivered on 31 December 2025. The firm will supply four wing sets per annum which can be enhanced to 12 sets subject to demand. The missile and firing trials are completed according to HAL chief as of 28 January 2026. The trials included two missile launches and release of a laser-guided bomb. The Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQR) certification and operational clearances, which are mandatory before formal induction, are still due. The SQRs include flight envelope validation, avionics and sensor integration, electronic warfare performance, reliability and maintainability parameters and operational suitability checks. HAL will approach IAF to take the deliveries within the fiscal year. Thereafter, IAF will decide on its acceptance and handover details. As of 4 February, 15 airframes are in ready configuration state and will be joined by 5 more within this fiscal year. However, the Indian Air Force will reportedly review the Tejas Mk 1A programme in May before deciding on the acceptance of delivery of these planes. A detailed discussion on the same was done in December 2025. On 5 February, HAL further clarified through a press release that while five aircraft, "incorporating major contracted capabilities" as per the ASQR, are ready for deliveries, nine more have completed their first flights and awaits GE engine deliveries. Only five engines have been received as per the release and the design and development issues are being resolved in an "expedited manner". However, Business Standard reported that the firm has sought some relaxations on the ASQR to meet the March 2026 deadline for five jets. Hence, even if the jets are delivered within the deadline, they will lack full operational capabilities. If the requests are partially agreed to the delays might extend to May, or even June–July if all the ASQR are to be met. The IAF has raised a list of operational and safety issues that needs to be sorted before acceptance of deliveries. One of the operational issue was the simultaneous functioning of the radar with the other systems including the electronic warfare suite. On the first week of February, reports emerged revealing the post-coupling of 19th LCA Mk1A (LA-5051) have been completed and the airframe has been rolled out. As reported on 21 February, the IAF has laid down a list of essentials before accepting the aircraft, however, it has agreed to some exemption of the contractual obligations after consulting with the defence ministry. The delivery is now expected the new fiscal year. This implies that the jets will incorporate some systems even after delivery. The essentials include the final missile firing trial, certification, full integration of radar and EW systems and the complete weapons package. HAL received the list of essential tasks in a meeting with HAL and IAF which it agreed to complete by April and followed by a few weeks-long acceptance trial by the IAF. On 1 April 2026, it was reported that a critical programme review would be undertaken by the IAF and HAL. Following the review, the IAF will take an update of the progress and finalise a revised delivery schedule. Officials from HAL and the IAF would meet in New Delhi, According to a source cited by The New Indian Express, the outcome of the review would be critical. If the programme was "sufficiently on track" the deliveries would be taken within two to three months, otherwise further slippages could be seen. The five aircraft deemed to be ready by HAL had only "major" contracted capabilities incorporated and multiple contractored capabilities, including the mandatory ones, are yet to be certified. Meanwhile, GE is expected to deliver the sixth engine, which is ready, to HAL by month-end and another 20 units between June and December 2026. Hence, there would be six Tejas Mk1A with Cat-A engines by April-end. Twenty Tejas Mk1A airframes has also kept ready. Delivery is good begin when ASRAAM trials are completed in the required configuration and some radar software upgrades. HAL is also implementing the contractual penalties on GE, in the form of liquidated damages, for every delay in engine deliveries under a provision stated in the contract. GE has also reportedly assured deliveries of over 20 engines from 2027. ==Operational history==

The Tejas Mark 1 made its international debut on 21 January 2016, at the fourth Bahrain International Airshow. , French Rafale, IAF Tejas FOC during Exercise Garuda VII On 26 January 2017, Tejas made its maiden appearance in the 68th Republic Day parade by joining in the fly-past over the Kartavya Path (then Rajpath) in New Delhi. In April 2018, the IAF's entire fleet of Tejas Mark 1 aircraft participated in the Gagan Shakti 2018 exercise. It was the IAF's largest air exercise, involving 1,100 aircraft and 15,000 military personnel. During the exercise, the Tejas were deployed to forward bases and demonstrated their reliability and precision strike capability. According to the commanding officer of No. 45 Squadron – Group Captain Samrath Dhankhar, DASH IV HMDS enables the Tejas pilot to take full advantage of high off-boresight close combat missiles, such as Python-5 and R-73. On 18 August 2020, IAF deployed the No. 45 Squadron "Flying Dagger" on the western front along the Pakistani border (line of control). It was the first operational deployment of Tejas. On 27 April 2021, Tejas Mark 1 successfully test fired Python-5 high off-boresight (HOBS) close combat air-to-air missile and further validated enhanced capability of I-Derby ER (extended range) BVR missile. Both missiles scored direct hits on targets during the trial. Mk1 missile On 23 August 2023, Astra Mk-1 Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile was successfully test fired from HAL Tejas aircraft off the coast of Goa from an altitude of . This is the first time when India test fire an indigenously developed BVRAAM from a homegrown fighter aircraft. In December 2023, plans were revealed to deploy the first batch of Tejas Mk 1A in the Nal airbase in Bikaner, Rajasthan. No. 3 Squadron and No. 23 Squadron, the last and current operators of MiG-21s, are expected to become the first operators of Tejas Mk 1A. Both the squadrons were deployed in Nal AFS by June 2024. The first delivery of Tejas Mk 1A is expected by November 2024. piloted by VCOAS AP Singh during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 HAL Tejas Mk 1 participated in the first phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024. The jets were escorted by a formation of four HAL Tejas Mk 1 aircraft, one of which was piloted by Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh. The exercise began with Tejas intercepting German, French and Spanish jets as a part of the training exercise. HAL Tejas was assigned to the Red Force (hostile) as well as the Blue Force (friendly) and its capabilities were proved in both the cases. The jet also received appreciation from the foreign pilots who piloted them. On 13 August, the Chief of French Air Force, General and the Chief of German Air Force Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz piloted HAL Tejas. The first production aircraft of Tejas Mk 1A was showcased at Aero India 2025. ==Potential operators==

HAL proposed exporting the Tejas, with preliminary talks taking place with several friendly countries. It was reported in March 2020 that HAL is willing to set up logistic facilities in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam as part of exporting the Tejas. Brazil In September 2024, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has reportedly considered the adoption of the Tejas to replace their AMX and Northrop F-5 jets in service and complement the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, which is being done with a swap of Embraer C-390 Millennium. FAB wanted to acquire F-16 Fighting Falcon at first from the US, but it was rejected. According to the FAB, the AMX is due to be retired by 2025 with the F-5s being next by 2030. In December 2024, an Indian delegation visited Brazil to negotiate the deal. It was reported in Brazilian media that talks on getting the Tejas are in advanced stages. The FAB is also looking into the Rafale to replace their AMX jets. DR Congo In October 2024, a report suggested that the Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FAC) was interested to acquire HAL Tejas. It was reported in August 2024 that a FAC delegation visited India to speak with HAL representatives about the Tejas. Failed bids Argentina The Argentine Air Force had indicated its interest in possibly purchasing the Tejas, as part of its modernization initiative. HAL had offered the Tejas to Argentina, amidst other offers of the JF-17 from China and the MiG-35 from Russia. Multiple sources had also indicated that the Tejas may likely be a good option for Argentina. Argentina's previous efforts to procure modern fighter aircraft, including the Mirage F1M, the IAI Kfir, the JAS 39 Gripen and the KAI FA-50 were scuttled due to British diplomatic pressure, since the aforementioned aircraft were found to contain UK-origin parts. Given the nature of the Argentine-specific sanctions, the Tejas would essentially be subject to UK-scrutiny. Nevertheless, HAL reportedly stated multiple times that they are willing to accommodate Argentinian requests to retrofit the Tejas, and had offered a customised-variant of the Tejas which replaces around 50-specific components and the substitutes all major British-origin components with diplomatically suitable non-British alternatives, including possibly substituting the ejection seat with one indigenously developed and manufactured in India. However, any customisation to the HAL Tejas would encompass considerable changes to the aircraft's design and additional flight certification. Subsequently, there were indications that the Argentines were willing to look at the JF-17 because of concerns that the time and money required to modify the Tejas to remove non-British parts was beyond what Buenos Aires was willing to spend. In December 2022, the Argentine government decided to abandon the decision to acquire new fighter aircraft. With President Alberto Fernandez stating in an interview that "Argentina has to allocate its resources to more important things than the purchase of military aircraft. We are in a very unequal continent, but there are no war problems and unity among countries is sought." In July 2023, Argentine newspaper La Nacion reported that Tejas had been eliminated, with the remaining options being second-hand Danish F-16 fighters or Chinese-Pakistani JF-17s, both which the bidding selection board deemed more advantageous. In March 2024, Denmark agreed to the purchase of 24 Danish F-16s by Argentina. Australia In July 2020, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) had issued a tender, seeking a new jet trainer to replace its fleet of BAE Hawk 127 trainer aircraft. According to HAL's "58th Annual Report" covering 2020–2021, HAL had offered the HAL Tejas in its "Lead in Fighter Trainer" (LIFT) configuration to Australia's Department of Defence (DoD) in July 2020. Other aircraft also reported to be participating in the tender were the Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk, the Aermacchi M-346 Master and the KAI T-50. However, the Australian Government rejected a government to government deal proposed by the Indian government for 35 Tejas LIFT aircraft for US$1 billion. During bilateral defence talks held in September 2021, The Indian Express reported Australia's lack of interest in the offer. In February 2022, the Australian government decided to take up a proposal by BAE to upgrade and refurbish its Hawks with new engines and avionics, extending their lifespan until 2032. Botswana The Botswana Defence Force Air Wing had approached HAL to procure the Tejas for potentially replacing its Canadair CF-5s due to the aircraft's age and problems of acquiring needed parts for maintenance. The BDFAW had previously considered acquiring Gripens, the F-16, KAI T-50, and the Leonardo M-346. In January 2025, Botswana officially ended negotiations to purchase the Tejas. Egypt During the Dubai Airshow 2021, Egyptian officials expressed their interest in procuring 70 LCA Tejas to replace 100 Hongdu JL-8s. Following the Dubai Airshow 2021, HAL and Indian Air Force officials visited Cairo and discussions were going on. As of June 2022, India has offered to set up local production facilities for the LCA Tejas and also for the Light Utility and Light Combat Helicopters in Egypt. During Aero India 2023, it was reported that Egypt was seeking around 20 multi-role aircraft. HAL previously reported that 35 LCA Mk-1As were being offered in a contract. In August 2024, it was reported that an agreement to purchase the Chinese Chengdu J-10C, had been signed. Malaysia Malaysia had frequently indicated that it may be interested in purchasing the HAL Tejas for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), as part of its attempts to supplement its MiG-29 fleet; reports of Malaysian interest in procuring the aircraft date back to as early as 2019. In March 2019, the HAL Tejas made its international debut at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA); its presence reportedly generated a great deal of interest, especially by the RMAF. However, in mid-2019, HAL's prospects of exporting the HAL Tejas to Malaysia were severely blemished, owing to diplomatic tussles between India and Malaysia. After the diplomatic skirmishes had ceased in 2020, an RMAF delegation reportedly visited HAL's manufacturing-facility at Bangalore in 2021, to assess the suitability of the HAL Tejas. Possibly in anticipation of a potential order — reaffirming Malaysia's interest in the aircraft. In 2021, the RMAF formally released a tender and request for proposals for the supply of 18 light combat-aircraft - labelled as the "Fighter Lead In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft" (FLIT/LCA), in an effort to supplant its ageing BAE Hawk 108/208 light-combat aircraft and its MB-339CM trainers. Six aircraft were running in the bid for the FLIT/LCA tender — the HAL Tejas MK1A, KAI FA-50, HAIC L-15, Aermacchi M-346, TAI Hürjet and Mikoyan MiG-35. In February 2023, the Malaysian government announced that the South Korean bid had won the tender with the Tejas failing to win the contract. Malaysia subsequently ordered 18 KAI FA-50 Block 20 aircraft worth US$920 million. The FA-50 was reportedly chosen because of it being a tried-and-tested platform in service with numerous countries while the Tejas is largely unproven and untested, with the Indian Air Force being the sole operator. Logistics issues and the FA-50 better meeting the RMAF's FLIT/LCA requirements were also other factors. Nigeria On 7 December 2023, HAL reported that Nigeria has expressed interest in acquiring the Tejas. However, in July 2024, there were reports that talks on acquiring the Tejas were suspended. Philippines In May 2022, India and the Philippines signed an MOU with the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation, which mentioned the consideration of purchasing the Tejas and other Indian-made aircraft. On 7 July 2022, the Tejas was dropped from further consideration from the multi-role fighter jet (MRF) project. The F-16V Block 70/72 and the JAS-39 Gripen C/D+ are currently the main contenders for the Philippine Air Force's MRF project. In February 2024, HAL reported that it has offered the Tejas Mark 1A to the PADC as a naval strike platform, equipped with the BrahMos NG missile. HAL also agreed to help set up a local partnership for the assembly of the MK1A. Sri Lanka In 2018, it had been reported that Sri Lanka had shown interest in purchasing the Tejas to replace its aging fleets of IAI Kfir and Chengdu J-7 aircraft. The intention was for the acquisition of 8 to 12 aircraft to be pursued through a government-government basic agreement. In 2021, the Sri Lankan government decided to overhaul their Kfirs instead rather than buying new aircraft, which would cost around $40 million per unit compared to $49 million in total for overhauling all five Kfirs. United Arab Emirates The Tejas had attracted interest from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with some discussions held during a visit by UAE Minister of State and Defence, Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi Al Falacy, during a state visit in October 2018, as part of growing defence relations between India and UAE. By May 2022, Tejas had failed to gain any further interest with the UAE placing an order for 80 Rafale F4s from France. In February 2023, the UAE signed a deal for purchase of 12 Hongdu L-15 trainer and light combat aircraft from China, with options for another 36. UAE officials stated the L-15 order aligned with the UAE's framework for diversifying the military's sources of equipment. United States In December 2020, in response to a Request for Information (RFI) from the United States Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), HAL offered the "Lead In Fighter Trainer" variant of the HAL Tejas — classified as the "HAL Tejas LIFT", to the United States Navy (USN), as part the latter's initiative to replace its fleet of T-45 Goshawk trainer aircraft, dubbed the "Undergraduate Jet Training System". Other aircraft participating in the UJTS, are the T-7 Red Hawk — offered by Boeing in partnership with Saab, and the KAI T-50A Golden Eagle — offered by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), in partnership with Lockheed Martin. Despite being the only aircraft among the three to be reportedly capable of undertaking operations from an aircraft carrier, the prospects of the USN selecting the HAL Tejas LIFT are reportedly slim, according to multiple sources. Several reasons suggested as the cause of the LIFT's bleak prospects in the UJTS are that HAL has refrained from partnering with a US-based company to offer the LIFT (unlike the consortiums of Boeing-Saab and KAI-Lockheed Martin, offering the T-7 and the T-50A, respectively), a lack of export orders for the type, and its delta-wing design — which makes it less-suitable for low-speed landing. ==Variants==

takeoff of by Tejas NP-2 at Prototypes Aircraft already built and projected models to be built. Model designations, tail numbers and dates of first flight are shown. ;Technology Demonstrators (TD) • TD-1 (KH2001) – 4 January 2001. • TD-2 (KH2002) – 6 June 2002. • PV-2 (KH2004) – First flight on 1 December 2005. • PV-3 (KH2005) – First flight on 1 December 2006. • PV-5 (KH-T2009) – First flight on 26 November 2009 – Fighter/Trainer variant. NP-1 made its first flight on 27 April 2012. • NP-2 (NAVY3002) – Single-seat naval variant. First flight on 7 February 2015 with ski-jump take-off and arrested landing required in STOBAR carrier. • NP-5 (NAVY3005) – Two-seat naval variant. First flight on 29 August 2023. Built to production standard incorporating improvements learned from NP-1 and NP-2. It will help in the development of HAL TEDBF. • LSP-5 (KH2015) – 19 November 2010. IOC standard, with all sensors including night lighting in the cockpit, and an auto-pilot. • LSP-7 (KH2017) – First flight on 9 March 2012. • LSP-8 (KH2018) – First flight trial completed in March 2013. LSP 8 is the final version upon which production is based. updated avionics and flight control software suite, as well as capable of hot refueling and aerial refueling. The Tejas Mark 2 will feature an AESA radar, an on-board oxygen generation system and a built-in electronic warfare suite among other improvements to avionics. In January 2019, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa said that the IAF has committed to procure twelve squadrons of Tejas Mark 2 aircraft. • CATS MAX - The main component of HAL Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), CATS MAX will be a twin seater Tejas Mark 1A modified with CATS interface to act as the mothership of CATS components. The CATS MAX is to be crewed by a pilot and a weapon system officer (WSO), with the later controlling the CATS. • Tejas Trainer - NP-5 based operational conversion trainer for the Indian Navy, with IFR-probe. Indian Navy was reported to be considering HAL's proposal to reestablish a "Carrier Training Squadron" with 18 Naval Tejas, that would be posted on both of India's carriers and additionally serve as point defence interceptors. Cancelled variants • Tejas Mark 1 Navy - Naval Variant based on HAL Tejas Mark 1 powered by F404 engine. Cancelled in favour of the new twin-engine naval fighter HAL TEDBF. • Tejas Mark 2 Navy - Proposed naval variant based on the Tejas Mk 2. Cancelled in favour of the HAL TEDBF. • Tejas Trainer IN - Two-seat operational conversion trainer for the Indian Navy. Cancelled in favour of the HAL TEDBF. Gallery File:LCA Naval 1.jpg|Naval LCA File:LCA Design Naval.jpg|LCA Navy Trainer File:LCA Trainer.jpg|LCA Trainer == Operators ==

; • Indian Air Force • Orders and deliveries: • Mark 1 – 32 delivered (30 operational) • Mark 1A trainer – 29 on order • Naliya Air Force Station • No. 18 Squadron (Flying Bullets) ==Accidents and incidents==

Since its first flight in 2001, two Tejas aircraft have been lost in accidents, including one fatal case: • 12 March 2024: A Tejas Mk 1 aircraft from the No. 18 Squadron of the Indian Air Force crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India after taking part in a tri-service exercise, Bharat Shakti. The pilot ejected safely and no one was harmed. The crash was the first for the Tejas since the project's inception. In July 2024, officials involved in the investigation stated that an oil pump failure may have led to an engine seizure, that resulted in the crash. • 21 November 2025: A Tejas Mk 1 aircraft from the No. 18 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, in service with the IAF since 2020, crashed during the Dubai Airshow held at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates while performing a barrel roll maneuver, and the pilot was killed in the incident. The Indian Air Force announced the constitution of a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident. • 7 February 2026: A Tejas Mk 1 of the Indian Air Force was involved in an incident at the Naliya Air Force Station while taking off for a training sortie. The pilot sustained minor injuries and there was no ejection. Preliminary reports indicate a technical glitch and onboard systems failure leading to a "suspected brake failure". The aircraft then overshot the runway and slid into a mud patch softened by prior rainfall. After this incident, the entire fleet of Tejas has been grounded for inspection. HAL later clarified the incident as a minor technical glitch which is being resolved with the IAF. It was reported following an investigation that the crash was caused by a software glitch of the aircraft's onboard systems. A software was upgraded jointly with the IAF and HAL and was being "tried out" as of 12 March. The entire fleet will eventually receive the software upgrade. The remaining 36 jets, including 6 trainers, underwent mechanical and metallurgical "exhaustive tests" which included checking the metallurgy of the under carriage that holds the wheels, the electro-magnetic system used for applying brakes and the software. As per reports on 2 April, the 36-aircraft fleet is expected to receive flying clearance by 8 April. HAL received the clearance from the local modification committee (LMC). Before the final clearance to return to active service, the aircraft will undergo one-time checks.. ==Specifications (Tejas Mk-1A)==