Jodhpur : The Indian Air Force is going to get the first indigenous supersonic fighter aircraft Tejas Mark-1A soon. It is an advanced version of the currently operating Tejas Mark-1. 40 major changes have been made in Tejas Mark-1A. Especially the electronic systems and radars have been changed. Tejas Mark-1A made its first successful flight on March 28 this year. It was to be supplied to the Air Force in July, but it has been delayed due to supply chain disruptions. DRDO Chairman Dr. Sameer V Kamat said that Tejas Mark-1A, manufactured by Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a 4.5 generation jet of fighter aircraft. Its first squadron is likely to be deployed at Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner, which will replace the current MiG-21 Bison squadron.
These changes were made in Tejas Mark-1A
Tejas Mark-1A will require a larger canopy at the airbase. A new electronics processor display system and fly-by-wire system hardware have been installed in it. Active Electronically Scanned Arrow radar, air-to-ground, air-to-air mode and self-protection jammer have been installed in it. Currently, advanced Israeli radar EL/M-2025 has been installed in Tejas MK-1A, in which indigenous Uttam AESA radar made by Bharat Electronics Limited and HAL will soon be installed.
There are 9 hard points for weapons under the new fighter aircraft, which can carry Beyond Visual Range Missile, Air-to-Air/Ground Missile, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile. External self-protection jammer pods have been installed which will help in electronic warfare of enemy fighter aircraft.
