HAL’s Tejas vs Global Fighters: How Competitive is India’s Indigenous Jet?

HAL Tejas is the first indigenously developed Indian fighter jet, constituting the country’s burgeoning defence independence in technology. Produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), it is designed to take the place of aged aircraft in the Indian Air Force (IAF), thus making India an important player in the international market of fighter jets.
But how does it compare to global competitors? Let’s take a closer look at the motivation, competitor analysis, current status, and future prospects of the Tejas program.

Motivation Behind the Development of Tejas

The Tejas project was undertaken to reduce India’s dependence on foreign fighter jets and to design a multi-role light combat aircraft tailored to the requirements of IAF and Indian Navy. The work started picking up after the 1980s, when India realized it needed to replace its aged MiG-21 fleet. In 1983, the government launched the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program under which a next-generation indigenous fighter aircraft would be designed and developed.

Key Drivers:

• Self-Sufficiency – Eliminate reliance on foreign-made fighters imported from Russia, France, and the U.S.
• Economical Cost – Provide a competitive, yet an economical fighter to the IAF and the international market.
• Replacement – Supplant the obsolete fighter aircraft like the MiG-21 with one more capable indigenous fighter
• Export Market – Venture into the international fighter jet market, challenging the small-to-medium weight fighters such as JF-17 (Pakistan-China), F-16 (USA), and Gripen (Sweden).

The HAL Tejas Mk1A, JF-17 Block III, Saab Gripen E, and F-16V all belong to the “Lightweight to Medium-Weight, Single-Engine, Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA)” category. These aircraft are compared because they serve similar roles in their respective air forces and are potential competitors in the export market.

Why These Aircraft?

• JF-17 Block III (China-Pakistan) – Tejas’ Direct Regional Rival

The JF-17 Block III is a low-cost, single-engine, multi-role fighter jointly developed by China and Pakistan. It is the opposite of Tejas, in the sense that both aircraft were intended to replace older MiG-21-based platforms—the MiG-21 it serves India, and the Chinese-built J-7/F-7 it serves Pakistan. It is one of Tejas’ challengers for export potential to countries like Argentina, Egypt, and Nigeria. Being regional rivals, India and Pakistan, both require air supremacy. Therefore, the comparison is vital.

• Saab Gripen E (Sweden)- A True More Advanced Western Counterpart

The Gripen forms competition for Tejas in international exports as nations such as Brazil and Thailand are also considering procuring it.

• F-16V (USA) – The Benchmark for Lightweight Fighter Jets

Since the 1970s, the F-16 Fighting Falcon has been the gold standard of lightweight, single-engine, multi-role fighters. Its most advanced variant is the F-16V (Block 70/72), with AESA radar, modern avionics, and advanced weapons integration. Several countries exploring Tejas exports, such as Bahrain and the UAE, are also assessing the F-16V as an alternative. It is a well-tested combat aircraft that serves as a benchmark for further enhancements in Tejas. The U.S. sells F-16s to several of India’s rivals, including Pakistan, so that it is critical for India to develop an indigenous substitute like Tejas Mk1A/Mk2.

Common Category: Lightweight to Medium-Weight Single-Engine Fighters

How Tejas Compares with Global Fighters: A Detailed Breakdown

The HAL Tejas Mk1A is positioned as a lightweight, multi-role combat aircraft competing with fighters like Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III, Sweden’s Saab Gripen E, and the USA’s F-16V. While Tejas is a capable jet, each of these aircraft has its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s how they compare across various parameters:

1. Engine and Performance

Analysis:

• The Tejas Mk1A and JF-17 Block III have similar thrust levels, but Tejas has a better thrust-to-weight ratio, making it more agile in combat.
• Gripen E and F-16V have more powerful engines, offering higher speeds and better overall performance.
• F-16V has the highest thrust-to-weight ratio, meaning it can carry more payload without affecting acceleration.

2. Radar and Avionics

Analysis:

• The Tejas Mk1A uses the EL/M-2052 AESA radar, giving it an advantage over older mechanically scanned radars. Future Tejas versions may use the Uttam AESA radar, enhancing indigenous capability.
• JF-17 Block III has China’s KLJ-7A AESA radar which is not as advanced as Israeli or Western radars in target-tracking capability.
• Gripen E and F-16V have superior radars with better sensor fusion, allowing them efficient coordination with other aircraft and ground stations.

3. Weapons and Payload Capacity

Analysis:

• Tejas Mk1A can carry a significant weapons load, including indigenous Astra-1/2 for beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat.
• JF-17 relies on Chinese missiles like PL-15, which have long-range capabilities but are not as battle-tested as Western counterparts.
• Gripen E and F-16V have access to advanced Western weaponry like the Meteor BVR missile and AMRAAM, giving them longer engagement range.

4. Stealth and Survivability

Analysis:

• Tejas has an advantage over JF-17 in stealth features due to its composite airframe, which reduces radar cross-section (RCS).
• Gripen E has the best stealth features in this category, thanks to its stealth coating and lower infrared signature.
• F-16V has moderate stealth but relies on high-speed manoeuvrability and advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems for survivability.

5. Combat Range and Endurance

Analysis:

• Tejas has a better range than JF-17 but lags behind Gripen and F-16 in endurance.
• Gripen and F-16 have better fuel efficiency and can fly longer without refueling.

Final Verdict: How Competitive is Tejas?

Strengths of Mk1A:

• Better avionics and radar than JF-17
• Better stealth characteristics than JF-17 and F-16
• Indigenous manufacturing and upgrade capacity
• Equitable air-to-air missile range with the best competitors
• Lower cost of operations compared to F-16 and Gripen

Weaknesses of Mk1A:

• Marginally lower top speed and thrust than Gripen and F-16
• Less combat range and endurance than competitors from the West
• No tested long-range missile equivalent to the Meteor (which is planned for Mk2)

Present Scenario: Tejas Variants and International Competition
The HAL Tejas project is the first indigenous fighter jet program in India, and this is one of the greatest steps India has ever taken toward becoming self-sufficient in defence technology. From when it was introduced in 2016, the Tejas continues to evolve further into a fully sophisticated and potent combat machine. As more variants are developed, the program is not only making the Indian Air Force stronger but is slowly also moving into more significant roles and positioning itself as a major competitor in the global fighter jet market, especially for lightweight, single-engine, multi-role fighters.

HAL Tejas Variants: Evolution & Capabilities

Tejas Mk1 – India’s First Indigenous Fighter Jet

• The first operational version was inducted into the IAF in 2016.
• The GE F404-IN20 engine powers the aircraft and it is fitted with,
  • Supersonic speed (Mach 1.8)
  • Glass cockpit with digital fly-by-wire control
  • Multirole capability (air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime strike)

However, low production (40 units) and lack of AESA radar and advanced EW systems led to its successor being Tejas Mk1A.

Tejas Mk1A – An Advanced, Battle-Ready Version

• The Tejas Mk1A is a significantly upgraded version, incorporating:
  • AESA radar (EL/M-2052 or indigenous Uttam AESA in future)
  • Enhanced electronic warfare (EW) suite
  • In-flight refueling capability
  • Better weapons integration (Astra, BrahMos-NG planned)
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A, a significant endorsement for the indigenous Indian fighter jet industry.
• The first lot of deliveries will be by 2025, and Mk1A will make an important proportion of the IAF fighter squadron that will be replacing older MiG-21s.

Tejas Mk2 – The Next-Gen Medium Fighter

• The Tejas Mk2 is a more advanced, medium-weight fighter, which is going to replace Mirage-2000, MiG-29, and Jaguar aircraft in the IAF.
• It will feature:
  • GE F414 engine (98 kN thrust) for better speed and endurance
  • Increased payload capacity (6.5 tons vs. 3.5 tons in Mk1A)
  • Greater range (~3,500 km) and endurance
  • Improved stealth features
  • Integration of advanced weapons like Meteor BVRAAM
• Expected first flight: 2026, with induction likely post-2030.

Also Read, In Depth Analysis: Tejas MK2

Twin-Seater Tejas – For Pilot Training & Combat Support

• A twin-seat variant is being developed for:
  • Pilot training
  • Combat support roles (ground strike & electronic warfare)
• This variant will allow faster pilot transition from training to operational duty.

Naval Tejas – India’s Initial Aircraft Carrier Fighter

• Naval Tejas was developed for operations from aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant & INS Vikramaditya.
• It successfully completed carrier-based takeoff and landing trials in 2020.
• However, due to weight and design constraints, India has moved on to a new Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) for carrier operations.

Future Prospects: What’s Next for Tejas?

1. Increase of Indigenous Production

• The Tejas program is significant for India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
• HAL has scaled up the production to 16 aircrafts per year, which is planned to be increased further to 24 aircrafts per year to cater to domestic and export requirements.
• A second production line has been established in Bengaluru to expedite deliveries.
• Future exports will add to India’s aerospace industry presence.
  

2. Tejas Mk2: Stepping Into the Medium-Weight Fighter Category

• The Mk2 will be a game-changer with a more powerful engine, longer range, and higher payload, which can potentially replace the ageing Mirage-2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircrafts.
• It is expected to complement Rafale jets in the IAF as a cost-effective alternative, handling medium-weight combat roles with advanced capabilities.
• The first prototype is anticipated by 2026, induct by 2030.

3. AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft): India’s 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter

• AMCA is a standalone program that will have low radar cross-section to develop a stealth, 5th generation fighter to match the F-35, J-20, and Su-57. Tejas is the technical precursor to this program.
• The jets will have the supercruise capability as the AMCA will be equipped with twin engines, either Kaveri or derivative of GE F414, enabling the aircraft to cruise at supersonic speed after cutting off afterburners.

Export Market Growth: Tejas as a Global Fighter

India is aggressively promoting Tejas as an affordable and advanced light fighter to the rest of the world. Several countries are keen to procure Tejas and this will help India turn out to be a game changer in its export defence market.

Potential Buyers & Ongoing Negotiations

Malaysia:

• Tejas was among three aircraft short-listed by the Malaysian LCA contract: in addition to FA-50 were JF-17 and MIG-35.
• Indian hopes remain at bay even when FA-50 emerged victorious but the contract isn’t yet open.

Argentina:

• Argentina to replace the dated Mirage and old A-4 fighter with a Tejas.
• British components in Tejas are the biggest challenge since the UK has an arms embargo on Argentina, but HAL is working on alternative components.

Egypt & Indonesia:

• Both countries are interested in Tejas as part of their air force modernization plans.
• India is offering attractive defence cooperation packages to secure these deals.

Why Tejas is an Attractive Export Option

Cost-Effective Alternative:

• At ~$42 million per unit, Tejas is cheaper than Gripen E ($70-$85M) and F-16V ($80-$100M).

No Geopolitical Restrictions:

• Unlike Western jets (which often have political conditions on usage), Tejas comes with no usage restrictions, making it attractive to non-aligned nations.

Indigenous Support & Customization:

• India offers customized configurations, maintenance packages, and technology transfers to potential buyers, making it an appealing long-term investment.

Conclusion: A Strong Contender

HAL Tejas Mk1A is a highly competitive 4+ generation fighter, packing modern avionics, AESA radar, and indigenous weapons in it, at a competitive price. The fighter is superior to JF-17 but less so than Gripen E and F-16V in terms of endurance and some avionics. However, with the future versions like Tejas Mk2 and AMCA, the gap with the global leaders is fast closing as India emerges as a serious player in the fighter jet marketplace. The HAL Tejas is, in fact, a major milestone in India’s aerospace history. Its upward trend of improvement, with increasing production and potential for exports, is going to make this aircraft a cornerstone of the fighter fleet of India.
Looking ahead:

• Tejas Mk1A will modernize IAF’s light fighter fleet
• Tejas Mk2 will serve as a versatile medium-weight multi-role fighter
• AMCA will place India on the map for 5th-generation stealth aircraft.
• Exports will certainly establish Tejas as a Global fighter competitor.

Strong government backing, rapid native technology advancement in house, increasing global interest has Tejas sitting on the prime position to assert India as an aerospace super power in the ensuing decades.