On 28 March, the modernized version of the Indian home-grown Tejas multi-role combat aircraft made its maiden flight in Bangalore. The Tejas Mk.1A is a variant proposed by manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and approved by the Indian Air Force, with 40 major improvements over the basic Mk.1 version.
The improvements include, for example, the electronically scanning on-board radar AESA EL/M-2052 or Uttam, a digital self-protection system and new avionics. The Tejas Mk,1A with registration number LA5033 was flown by HAL chief test pilot Venugopal (pictured), the maiden flight lasted 18 minutes.
The Indian Air Force has already been flying 32 aircraft of the Mk.1 version since 2016 and will receive another 17 two-seaters of this type, followed by 83 of the Mk.1A version now being flown for the first time – all aircraft with US licensed F404 engines. In addition, contracts for a further 97 aircraft have already been submitted, but they still have to be approved by the Ministry of Defense.
Later, a further upgraded Mk.2 series is also planned. However, the originally planned naval version with longer landing gear was rejected by the Indian carriers with their “Ski Jump” launch pads in favor of a new twin-engine development (TEDBF) and Rafale-M from Dassault were rejected.
Side note: Just a few days before the first flight of the Mk.1A, the first Tejas was lost on March 12 – 23 years after the first flight of the type. It was a Mk.1 of No 18 Squadron that crashed during operational training near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The pilot was able to bail out in time and fortunately remained uninjured.
