The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A has reached a crucial stage in its journey towards large-scale induction, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) confirming significant advances in both aircraft production and weapon integration. Speaking on the sidelines of recent developments, the HAL chairman revealed that ten Mk1A fighters are already complete—two of which are powered by newly delivered GE F404 engines—while 24 fuselages are in different stages of assembly on the shop floor.
This milestone reflects the maturing of India’s domestic fighter aircraft programme, which has for years struggled with delays, but is now moving towards rapid production and expanded capability.
Astra Missile Integration Reaches Final Hurdle
One of the key highlights shared by HAL leadership is the near-complete integration of the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) with the Tejas Mk1A. According to officials, the aircraft–missile interface has been fully validated. Aerodynamic compatibility studies, electrical signalling checks, and data-link integration have all been accomplished.
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The final pending step lies in software approval. The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) has implemented critical software modifications that must now pass clearance from the safety review board of the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC). Once authorised, the Astra firing trial will be conducted—an event described by the HAL chief as the moment “everybody will be happy”.
The importance of this integration cannot be overstated. The Astra Mk1 provides the Tejas with an indigenous long-range strike capability, reducing reliance on foreign missiles. While a firing attempt in March did not succeed, refinements since then have paved the way for renewed trials.
Parallel to the Astra preparations, two LCA Mk1As on 15 September commenced weapon trials with the ASRAAM short-range missile at a designated range in eastern India. These trials represent the broader weaponisation roadmap of the aircraft, designed to equip it with both indigenous and imported systems.
The sequence is carefully structured: ASRAAM firings are to be followed by Astra launches, completing the aircraft’s full envelope of air-to-air missile capability. Once these validations conclude successfully, the Mk1A will emerge as a credible frontline platform able to engage hostile aircraft across both short and extended ranges.
At the heart of the Tejas programme lies the GE F404 engine, which powers the Mk1 and Mk1A variants. HAL confirmed that three of the 99 ordered engines have already been received. By December, seven more engines are expected, with a further 20 scheduled for delivery next year.
These deliveries are crucial to scaling up production. The new deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters—expected to be finalised by October—also includes provision for 113 additional F404 engines. HAL has clarified that once the paperwork is concluded, it can immediately trigger related contracts with GE, thereby ensuring continuity in the production pipeline.
This level of planning signals HAL’s determination to avoid previous pitfalls where aircraft production was hampered by shortages of critical imported components.
The structure of the Tejas procurement has evolved over time. In the 2021 contract for 83 Mk1A aircraft, 10 trainer aircraft were retained in the original Mk1 configuration, while the remaining single-seaters were upgraded to Mk1A standard.
By contrast, the upcoming order for 97 Mk1A aircraft will include 29 trainers, all of which will be delivered in the upgraded Mk1A configuration. These new trainers will benefit from the Uttam AESA radar and a modern electronic warfare suite, providing them with capabilities identical to frontline single-seaters, thus ensuring commonality and reducing operational complexity.
Taken together, the two contracts will provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with 180 Tejas aircraft, a mix of single-seaters and trainers, forming a substantial indigenous fleet.
The road to this point has not been smooth. India’s indigenous fighter programme has often faced criticism for slow progress, cost overruns, and frequent delays. The Astra’s earlier unsuccessful firing attempt in March was seen by sceptics as yet another setback.
Yet the present status suggests a programme that has begun to find its rhythm. Ten aircraft ready, two already undergoing weapon trials, and nearly two dozen fuselages advancing simultaneously demonstrate a level of production scale rarely associated with HAL in the past. The integration of state-of-the-art sensors and weapons, alongside the steady inflow of engines, indicates that Tejas Mk1A may finally deliver on its long-promised potential.
Strategic Importance of Tejas Mk1A
The Mk1A is not intended to rival fifth-generation stealth fighters. Instead, it is designed as a modern, reliable, and cost-effective workhorse for the Indian Air Force. By replacing ageing MiG-21 squadrons and supplementing heavier platforms like the Su-30MKI and Rafale, the Tejas offers versatility and affordability.
Its indigenous components—particularly with the Astra missile and Uttam AESA radar—reduce dependence on external suppliers. For India, which has historically struggled with over-reliance on imports, this represents a step towards self-reliance in aerospace.
If the October contract for 97 Mk1As is signed as expected, HAL will be tasked with delivering aircraft at an unprecedented pace. The company has invested heavily in expanding production lines at its Bengaluru facility and in Nashik. With engines arriving on schedule and weapon integration nearing completion, HAL believes it can meet the IAF’s ambitious induction timelines.
Success here will not only reinforce the Tejas as a credible platform but will also build confidence in subsequent programmes such as the LCA Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Both future projects rely on the credibility of HAL’s present commitments.
The statements by HAL’s chief highlight a turning point for the Tejas Mk1A programme. Ten aircraft complete, Astra integration nearing its final hurdle, ASRAAM trials underway, and contracts for nearly 100 additional fighters on the horizon—together these developments represent more than just incremental progress.
For the first time, India’s indigenous fighter programme appears poised to deliver at both scale and capability. If these promises translate into timely inductions and operational performance, the Tejas Mk1A could emerge not merely as a replacement for obsolete aircraft but as a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force’s evolving combat fleet.