What key upgrades does the Tejas Mk-1A have compared to the original Mk-1?

The MK-1A brings 40+ improvements, including an AESA radar (EL/M-2052 and soon the indigenous Uttam AESA), a unified electronic warfare suite (UEWS) with self-protection jammer, in-flight refueling capability, and an Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS). It also supports modern weapons like Astra BVRAAM and ASRAAM.

When did the first production MK-1A fly, and when is induction happening?

The first production-series MK-1A took its inaugural flight on 28 March 2024, and further testing is ongoing ahead of induction into the Indian Air Force.

How many MK-1A units are on order and being built?

The Indian Air Force has ordered 83 Mk-1A fighters. India has planned a second batch of 97 Mk-1A fighters, with production ramping up. Engine deliveries (GE F404-IN20) have begun, with HAL targeting producing 16 to 24 aircraft per year, and 12 engines expected by Q1 2026.

What is the development status of the TEJAS MK-2 (Medium Weight Fighter)?

The MK-2 is under prototype development, featuring an elongated airframe, canard-delta design, more powerful sensors, and engine upgrades. Rollout of the first prototype is expected by 2025, with a first flight slated for 2026, and mass production by 2029. Currently, about 60% of prototype development is complete.

What roles will the MK-2 serve compared to the MK-1A?

The MK-2 is being designed to replace legacy aircraft like the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29. It will fill India’s medium-weight fighter role with enhanced combat range, payload, and avionics.

Tejas Mk-1A vs Mk-2: CCS Nod for More Jets, Key Changes

India is making big progress in building its own fighter jets. The Tejas Mk-1A and Tejas Mk-2 are two important aircraft developed within the country.

While the Mk-1A is ready to enter service soon and replace the old MiG-21 jets, the Mk-2 is a more powerful version that is still under development. Both jets show India’s strength in defence technology and its move towards self-reliance in aviation.

India’s Indigenous Fighter Jets: Tejas Mk-1A and Tejas Mk-2

India has developed two advanced fighter jets: Tejas Mk-1A and Tejas Mk-2. Both are important milestones for India’s defence aviation, but they serve different roles.

Tejas Mk-1A – Light Combat Aircraft

The Tejas Mk-1A is a light fighter jet that is ready for production. It will soon replace the old MiG-21 jets in the Indian Air Force by September 2025.

Weight & Engine: Maximum take-off weight of 13.5 tons, powered by a GE F404-IN20 engine producing 84 kN thrust.
Avionics: Equipped with AESA radar (currently Israeli EL/M-2025, to be replaced by India’s own Uttam AESA radar), a glass cockpit, and modern electronic warfare systems like the Angad suite and jammer pods.
Range: Can fly about 500 km in combat before refueling.
Weapons: Carries up to 3.5 tons of weapons on 7 hardpoints, including beyond-visual-range missiles, air-to-air, and ground attack weapons.
Design Improvements:

Bigger canopy for better visibility.
Redesigned cockpit floor for pilot comfort.
Digital fly-by-wire system for better control.
Easier maintenance with faster turnaround time.

In short, the Mk-1A is a modern, lightweight, multi-role jet that will replace the MiG-21 and strengthen India’s frontline air defence.

Tejas Mk-2 – Medium Weight Fighter
The Tejas Mk-2 is a more powerful and larger fighter jet that is still under development. It is being designed as a medium-weight combat aircraft with advanced features.
Size & Engine:

Length: 14.65 meters

Wingspan: 8.5 meters

Weight: 17.5 tons (heavier than MK-1A)

Engine: GE F414-INS6 with 98 kN thrust, giving higher speed (Mach 1.8) and better performance.

Range: Almost double that of the Mk-1A, with a combat range of about 1,000 km due to larger fuel tanks and external tanks.

Weapons: Can carry 6.5 tons of weapons on 11 hardpoints, including long-range missiles, precision-guided bombs, and anti-ship missiles.

Avionics & Cockpit:

Larger cockpit with next-generation displays.

Stronger electronic warfare systems.

Designed for better situational awareness in battle.

Materials: Built with advanced composite materials for lighter weight and stronger structure.

The Mk-2 is meant to handle deep strike missions, advanced air combat, and anti-ship warfare. It will act as a bridge between the Tejas Mk-1A and the future AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) expected in the 2030s.
Key Differences Between Tejas Mk-1A and Tejas Mk-2

Feature	Tejas Mk-1A	Tejas Mk-2
Category	Light Fighter	Medium-Weight Fighter
Weight	13.5 tons	17.5 tons
Engine	GE F404 (84 kN thrust)	GE F414 (98 kN thrust)
Speed & Range	500 km combat range	1,000 km combat range
Weapons Load	3.5 tons on 7 hardpoints	6.5 tons on 11 hardpoints
Avionics	AESA radar, glass cockpit, Angad EW suite	Next-gen avionics, bigger cockpit, stronger EW systems
Best Suited For	Multi-role missions like air defence, interception, ground strikes	Deep strike, anti-ship missions, advanced air superiority
Status	In production, replacing MiG-21 by 2025	Under development, first flight expected by 2026–27

Tejas Mk-1A: A ready and reliable light combat jet, perfect for replacing older aircraft like the MiG-21.
Tejas Mk-2: A future-ready, more powerful medium fighter designed for longer missions, heavier weapons, and advanced warfare.

Tejas Mk-1A and Tejas Mk-2 show India’s progress towards self-reliance in defence technology and pave the way for the upcoming AMCA program.

CCS Approved More Tejas Mk-1A: How Mk-2 Stands Apart

CCS Approved More Tejas Mk-1A: How Mk-2 Stands Apart

India’s Indigenous Fighter Jets: Tejas Mk-1A and Tejas Mk-2

Tejas Mk-1A – Light Combat Aircraft

Tejas Mk-2 – Medium Weight Fighter

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