The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to induct the first Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets as early as next month, marking a significant step in strengthening India's indigenous defense capabilities. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to deliver the first two of these "improved" Tejas Mark-1A fighters. However, the handover is contingent upon the successful completion of weapon firing trials scheduled for later this month.

These trials are crucial for testing the integration of the Astra beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, advanced short-range air-to-air missiles (ASRAAM), and laser-guided bombs with the aircraft's Israeli-origin Elta ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and fire control system. Software modifications have been made after a previous test failed. The successful firing of the missiles will confirm that the advanced radar is perfectly synchronized with the aircraft's fire control computer and its diverse weapon packages, a critical step for operational deployment.

The Tejas Mark-1A is a significantly upgraded version of the original Tejas fighter and includes over 40 major improvements, including enhanced avionics, a more capable electronic warfare system for self-protection, and superior targeting abilities. The integration of the ELM-2052 AESA radar dramatically improves the pilot's situational awareness and the aircraft's effectiveness in modern aerial combat. The AESA radar offers superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities, even in contested environments with heavy electronic countermeasures.

The upcoming trials will test the aircraft's ability to fire the Astra, an Indian-made Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile developed by the DRDO, which allows pilots to engage enemy aircraft from a safe distance. Also part of the tests is the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), a highly agile weapon designed for close-quarters dogfights. Furthermore, the trials are expected to include the French-origin Hammer precision-guided munition, a weapon that will provide the Tejas with a formidable air-to-ground strike capability.

The delivery timeline has been hampered by engine supply delays from US-based General Electric. Of the 99 GE-404 engines contracted for ₹5,375 crore in 2021, only two units have been delivered so far. GE has promised 10 more by March 2026, followed by 20 engines annually. In addition, integration issues with radar and weapons systems have further slowed production.

HAL has so far delivered 38 of the 40 Tejas Mark-1 aircraft, but none from the ₹46,898 crore order placed in February 2021 for 83 Mark-1A units. To offset the shortfall in the IAF's squadron strength, the government has cleared the procurement of an additional 97 Tejas Mark-1A jets, valued at around ₹66,500 crore. Once inducted, these fighters are expected to significantly strengthen India's air combat capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign aircraft.

The IAF is currently operating with a fighter squadron strength below its sanctioned requirement, and the induction of the Tejas Mk-1A is vital to bridging this gap. Once equipped with its full suite of advanced radar and missile systems, the aircraft will serve as a potent multi-role fighter, capable of performing air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions, thereby significantly boosting India's air defense capabilities.