Air Force Tejas Mk1: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

srai · Post by **srai** » 14 Mar 2025 04:24

^^^
People are now nitpicking even minute trivialities!

All the Mk1A subsystems and integration have been proven using LCA PV/LSP test beds.

Mk1A serial production first lot deliveries have just begun. And surely enough now people are out with their toothpicks to try to make a “mountain out of molehill”. Including the IAF chief, the naysayers are now pointing out “late”, “slow”, “not proven”, “not combat ready” angle.

People expect Tejas Mk1A fresh out of production hanger to perform a combat mission to prove its worth … and even if it did then there will still be questions on validity of the combat mission that was displayed

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 14 Mar 2025 10:38

srai wrote: ↑14 Mar 2025 04:24 ^^^
People are now nitpicking even minute trivialities!

All the Mk1A subsystems and integration have been proven using LCA PV/LSP test beds.

Mk1A serial production first lot deliveries have just begun. And surely enough now people are out with their toothpicks to try to make a “mountain out of molehill”. Including the IAF chief, the naysayers are now pointing out “late”, “slow”, “not proven”, “not combat ready” angle.

People expect Tejas Mk1A fresh out of production hanger to perform a combat mission to prove its worth … and even if it did then there will still be questions on validity of the combat mission that was displayed

+1

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Mar 2025 20:07

It would be criminal to not view this picture in full size. Drag & Drop into new browser window.

https://x.com/hvtiaf_bharat/status/1901741940967878981 ---> Shot from HJT-36 Yashas.

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 18 Mar 2025 20:55

Rakesh wrote: ↑18 Mar 2025 20:07 It would be criminal to not view this picture in full size. Drag & Drop into new browser window.

https://x.com/hvtiaf_bharat/status/1901741940967878981 ---> Shot from HJT-36 Yashas.

...

Wow. Beautiful.

srai · Post by **srai** » 19 Mar 2025 02:00

Can’t complain about the build quality!

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 19 Mar 2025 08:25

LT-5208 : just look at the finishing

https://x.com/hvtiaf_bharat/status/1902 ... 78135?s=46 ---> Hello Gorgeous! Photo from HJT-36 Yashas by Menon/Rana.

pravula · Post by **pravula** » 20 Mar 2025 10:19

Rakesh wrote: ↑18 Mar 2025 20:07 It would be criminal to not view this picture in full size. Drag & Drop into new browser window.

https://x.com/hvtiaf_bharat/status/1901741940967878981 ---> Shot from HJT-36 Yashas.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GmRYI31a4AA ... =4096x4096

Nice, look at the changes in LRUs, even basic ones like emergency release locations...I wonder which is more efficient, the trainer (and IN version) or the IAF...

Avinandan · Post by **Avinandan** » 20 Mar 2025 23:18

Trainer version silhoutte definitely looks sexier. Is there any performance penalty for the trainer version ? If not, I wonder why we didn't opt for a trainer version regular Tejas fighters based with single seater ( like Naval Tejas minus Levcons plus retaining the drooping nose )

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 24 Mar 2025 10:43

Avinandan wrote: ↑20 Mar 2025 23:18 Trainer version silhoutte definitely looks sexier. Is there any performance penalty for the trainer version ? If not, I wonder why we didn't opt for a trainer version regular Tejas fighters based with single seater ( like Naval Tejas minus Levcons plus retaining the drooping nose )

Why? Because it looks better according to you over the single seater?

The trainer has to let go of one fuel tank to accomodate the second cockpit. So lesser range, plus there's the additional weight of the other ejection seat and displays in the rear cockpit.

suryag · Post by **suryag** » 24 Mar 2025 11:05

trainer version looks like beautiful/hot south indian heroine, single seat version looks like beautiful/hot north indian heroine ---- jokes aside I always like the single seater version sleek and contemporary

Avinandan · Post by **Avinandan** » 25 Mar 2025 02:25

Kartik Saar, I was alluding to single seater Naval Tejas (minus Levcons, but retaining drooping nose and with regular landing gear). I am assuming the second cockpit area would be reused for fuel and other uses (OBOGS, etc). Benefit would be much more commonality with respect to the panels and components for both trainer and fighter versions for ease of maintenance.

Courtesy: Military Watch Magazine

basant · Post by **basant** » 14 May 2025 21:04

This is far more significant than just 2x ASRAAM and 2x Astra. This is an LSP Tejas equipped with an IRF probe, a new WVR missile, and an indigenous BVR system, a clear indication that all existing LCA variants (IOC/FOC) are likely to be upgraded to Mk1A standards.
Credit : Praneeth Franklin (@Praneethfrank)

8:34 PM · May 14, 2025

Source: Alpha Defense™

@alpha_defense

g.chaks · Post by **g.chaks** » 07 Jun 2025 10:03

Operation Sindoor: LCA-Tejas Mk1 outmaneuvered JF-17, locked BVR-AAM on enemy aircraft https://idrw.org/operation-sindoor-lca- ... -aircraft/
This idrw article reports Tejas Mk1 locking on JF-17 near Uri during op Sindoor. Didn't shoot as the bandaar scooted. Also, mentions Tejas escorting choppers at night in their replenishment sorties to forward army posts while Tejas flew low in "low light" conditions while escorting.

Seems (purely my guess) these Tejas are from 45 sqn which were deployed at Awantipora some times back. What is intriguing is the term "outmaneuvered"...as it was a bvr engagement, it would mean (again my speculation) the Tejas kept out of the bandaar's radar cone while kept it in it's own radar lock. I would give credit for that to the fighter controller who could vector own aircraft like that...not so much to do about maneuverability of Tejas! Open to learning from the forum experts on this!
gchaks

Roop · Post by **Roop** » 08 Jun 2025 08:54

g.chaks wrote: ↑07 Jun 2025 10:03 This idrw article reports Tejas Mk1 locking on JF-17 near Uri during op Sindoor. Didn't shoot as the bandaar scooted. Also, mentions Tejas escorting choppers at night in their replenishment sorties to forward army posts while Tejas flew low in "low light" conditions while escorting.

Great news, if true.

Seems (purely my guess) these Tejas are from 45 sqn which were deployed at Awantipora

I'm sure you're right. In fact, no other possibility exists, as 45 sqn is the only operational Tejas sqn of IAF. So if this story about Tejas in action is true, it absolutely has to be 45 sqn. I am so happy for them (and for Tejas).

Bala Vignesh · Post by **Bala Vignesh** » 09 Jun 2025 12:31

While i am equally, if not more, excited to hear about the performance of Tejas in Op Sindoor, I wouldn't take this article seriously considering the source of the article.

suryag · Post by **suryag** » 09 Jun 2025 13:32

why not squadron 18 ? couldnt it have been on detachment to Jaisalmer ?

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 12 Jun 2025 07:25

https://x.com/FighterPiloting/status/19 ... 1802778984 ---> Python-5 on Tejas. This is arguably the best close combat missile in the world. Integrated on LCA Tejas. Also, Tejas carries R73 and now Twin-ASRAAM.

pravula · Post by **pravula** » 15 Jun 2025 10:26

Clue me this, if Iran can still operate their F14s after 45+ years of sanctions, why is GE 404/414 a problem to maintain?

Cain Marko · Post by **Cain Marko** » 15 Jun 2025 11:57

pravula wrote: ↑15 Jun 2025 10:26 Clue me this, if Iran can still operate their F14s after 45+ years of sanctions, why is GE 404/414 a problem to maintain?

Iran had a massive fleet of tomcats and it barely operates a few on rare occasions and relatively safe missions like shooting drones. Nor do we know the up-times of the existing fleet. Cannibalization can only take you so far.

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 15 Jun 2025 12:12

pravula wrote: ↑15 Jun 2025 10:26 Clue me this, if Iran can still operate their F14s after 45+ years of sanctions, why is GE 404/414 a problem to maintain?

Here is a quite detailed article on how (and how many) the IRAF manages the F14s

How Iran manages to keep its F-14 Tomcats flying

pravula · Post by **pravula** » 15 Jun 2025 12:16

Manish_P wrote: ↑15 Jun 2025 12:12
pravula wrote: ↑15 Jun 2025 10:26 Clue me this, if Iran can still operate their F14s after 45+ years of sanctions, why is GE 404/414 a problem to maintain?
Here is a quite detailed article on how (and how many) the IRAF manages the F14s

How Iran manages to keep its F-14 Tomcats flying

Behind a paywall. But we are still looking at 200+ examples of Mk1. So, why not order an extra two engines per frame and be done with it?

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 15 Jun 2025 18:40

Surprising. I was able to access it in full without having to subscribe.

I will try to see if there is any way I can get it, in parts at least.

It is a very comprehensive article worth reading in full

Please try this link - https://www.removepaywall.com/search?ur ... ats-flying

pravula · Post by **pravula** » 16 Jun 2025 09:29

Manish_P wrote: ↑15 Jun 2025 18:40 Surprising. I was able to access it in full without having to subscribe.

I will try to see if there is any way I can get it, in parts at least.

It is a very comprehensive article worth reading in full

Please try this link - https://www.removepaywall.com/search?ur ... ats-flying

Thank You! The article does not mention what they needed to do for regular engine maintenance, which I would assume is much higher than airframe or avionics. I personally like the solid reputation of GE 404/414 and would prefer it to play itself out.

Manish_P · Post by **Manish_P** » 16 Jun 2025 09:55

They did it by operating it increasingly sparingly as the times neared the MTBF and replacing the components with those cannibalised from other planes. And on rare occasions where they could get it from the leakages in the US spares on the black market (though they are probably rumours).

In fact one theory circulated sometime back was that the Israelis had covertly arranged to get some spares so the Iranians would not buy too many russian Aircraft to replace the Tomcat. 'Better the devil you know'....

AkshaySG · Post by **AkshaySG** » 16 Jun 2025 18:16

I mean we have been the last major operator of several fighters ( Mig 21-23-27) Harriers etc so one would think that keeping an old jet airworthy is in our MRO playbook.

That being said fighter plane maintenance & associated complexity like all other mechanical and electrical systems in applications in the 21st century has started to become more about software, IP, specialized tools than mechanical constraints or part availability.
The airframes from the 50s-70s were complicated but still primarily mechanical like an old Land Rover or Jeep whereas the new ones are like a Formula 1 car.

Still Tejas is our design,our build so we will know a lot more about it than any plane we have operated in the past so I don't see why Mk1As can operate till end of 2040s and beyond

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 26 Sep 2025 06:57

A great Twitter thread on the LCA's control law design. A must read. Please click on link below....

https://x.com/stellensatz/status/1968354312364720558 ===> My thanks to @cvkrishnan for asking me to share my memories of the LCA control law (CLAW) design. Please bear with me for the lengthy thread.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 26 Sep 2025 07:02

VIDEO: https://x.com/cvkrishnan/status/1968266449950261723 ---> So some people asked on the motivations of LCA going for a Western engine. The point is the motivation of the armed forces and the strategic community itself was that LCA was to be designed without Soviet dependency. So right from aircraft philosophy to engines they went West.

https://x.com/cvkrishnan/status/1968268623258288392 ---> When Dr Raja Ramana commissioned a study to independently develop a fighter aircraft he sent a team to only European nations, UK, France, West Germany and Sweden to evaluate and get feedback. Not to Russia.

basant · Post by **basant** » 27 Oct 2025 13:37

Insightful Geopolitics @InsightGL
-Huge achievement
-#IndianAirForce & #DRDO successfully demonstrated advanced Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities
-TEJAS fighter jet networked with 2 UAVs
-Trials validated command & control, sensor fusion & precision strikes
-Trial occurred during tri-service exercise

I think encouraging news for CATS Warrior team also

basant · Post by **basant** » 27 Oct 2025 14:10

Alpha Defense™ @alpha_defense
MUM-T demos on the LCA aren’t new; these exercises have been ongoing for years and are now routine with other strike fighter. However, the teaming concepts DRDO and IAF are pursuing today are far more complex and ambitious this is just a start.
1:16 PM · Oct 27, 2025

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 09 Nov 2025 04:13

https://x.com/Sukhwinder104/status/1986 ... 56966?s=20 ---> The No 18 Squadron "Flying Bullets" currently deployed at AFS Naliya is equipped with the Tejas MK1 (FOC variant). Naliya is about 100 kms away from Sir Creek which implies that this Squadron would be the first responder to any kind of provocation from the PAF.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 19 Nov 2025 19:36

https://x.com/ShiroBarks/status/1990971 ... 95207?s=20 ---> The more I read about it the better it gets, LCA has pulled 26°AoA, 8.5G turns, ~30°/s instantaneous turn rate, 15–16°/s sustained turn rate, and a 350 m min-radius turn. It can also perform extreme low-speed handling 110 knot passes, with automatic recovery enabled at 100 knots.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 19 Nov 2025 19:38

Rakesh wrote: ↑19 Nov 2025 19:36 https://x.com/ShiroBarks/status/1990971 ... 95207?s=20 ---> The more I read about it the better it gets, LCA has pulled 26°AoA, 8.5G turns, ~30°/s instantaneous turn rate, 15–16°/s sustained turn rate, and a 350 m min-radius turn. It can also perform extreme low-speed handling 110 knot passes, with automatic recovery enabled at 100 knots.

Unmatched Agility: LCA Tejas Marks 22 Years Since First Flight
https://www.financialexpress.com/busine ... t-2937682/
05 January 2023

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 19 Nov 2025 20:02

VIDEO: https://x.com/RShivshankar/status/19910 ... 71601?s=20 ---> HOW'S THE JOSH? HIGH-G SIR! Air Force releases footage of India’s Pride, the HAL Tejas, setting Dubai skies ablaze with its unbelievable aerobatics and high-G manoeuvres. INDIA'S MILITARY FLIES HIGH.

mody · Post by **mody** » 23 Nov 2025 20:48

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p6uchbKDJPY

A good analysis of the unfortunate crash.

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 23 Nov 2025 21:22

Who was Wing Commander Namansh Syal?

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 07 Dec 2025 20:05

https://x.com/SWAC_IAF/status/1997233455017652521?s=20 ---> No 18 Squadron, also known as 'Flying Bullets', celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with a commemorative seminar and spectacular aerial displays by Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and Akashganga at Air Force Station Naliya on 05 Dec 25. The event was graced by distinguished guests Air Marshal J Chauhan (Retired) and Air Vice Marshal Subramanian Krishanan, highlighting the squadron's rich history and achievements. A special cover and Squadron History Book were released to mark the occasion.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 09 Dec 2025 21:37

Astra Mk1 on Tejas Mk1

https://x.com/firebase25/status/1998381 ... 43283?s=20 --->

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Dec 2025 20:46

Dubai Tejas crash revives focus on advanced, fully automated safety systems
https://theprint.in/defence/dubai-tejas ... s/2801756/
09 Dec 2025

Dubai airshow crash & pilot death have rekindled concerns over pilot safety, and need for smarter automated systems that can step in when G-forces, temporary loss of consciousness hit the pilot.

fanne · Post by **fanne** » 10 Dec 2025 22:15

How they will determine temporary loss of consciousness?