Air Force Tejas Mk1A: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AXISCADES/status/2020808686181208295?s=20 ---> We are proud to announce a new win in the Defence division by our subsidiary @MistralSoln, a leader in high-performance embedded systems and defence electronics – an order valued at approximately ₹80 crore under the prestigious LCA Mk1A programme of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This strategic win underscores AXISCADES Group’s strong commitment to the indigenisation of advanced avionics systems. Under this programme, Mistral Solutions will supply electronic hardware for the following critical subsystems, further strengthening its long-standing partnership with the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and HAL:

* Mission Computer
* Smart Multifunction Display

All systems will be manufactured and delivered from AXISCADES’ newly commissioned DAL (Devanahalli Atmanirbhar Complex) facility located at the Bangalore Aerospace Park, near Kempegowda International Airport. Commenting on the development, Mr. C. Manikandan, CEO, Mistral Solutions Private Limited, said: “This programme win reflects the AXISCADES Group’s continued commitment to defence indigenisation and the ‘Make in India’ initiative. We believe this opportunity positions us strongly for participation in upcoming defence programmes.”

[A_Gupta]

> Keep in mind that IAF paid USD 1.3-1.7 billion for some changes to just 36 Rafales, yet accepted deliveries without them. That's around 36-47 million per aircraft on top of the exorbitant price of the air frame.

AFAIK, distinguish between the contracted price and when the payments were made. We are also told "The IAF prioritized rapid induction of Rafales in their standard French configuration to fill squadron gaps." "India chose to get the jets operational first, and then layer on enhancements over time." And in a YouTube previously posted, ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRF26Alzwlo ), excerpt from the transcript- Former IAF fighter pilot Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat and Consulting Editor Swasti Rao )

But I can tell you there were uh two main reasons for delay. You know when we bought this aircraft from France and said source code we not sharing the source code. So any enhancement we had to tell them okay get this thing done. They said fair we'll do it. This is the money we'll charge. This is the time we'll need with the aeroplanes. So give us the money and hand over the aeroplanes. With the Rafale being inducted, scorn being raised, there were some delays, you know, hesitation on part of AP force to hand over both airframes. They said start with one and keep moving and there were also a little bit of delay in the making payments.

Okay. But by 2023, all ISEs were in place, right? I'm glad you made this point. Because you know there's also a lot of disinformation around the issue of source code itself. Now I think a lot of people in India perhaps don't realize is that and I'm sure you would allude to it. you know please tell me if it is wrong. if I'm uh wrong that I don't think the air force particularly has a problem with the saw not sharing source code because you know as long as the so is really okay with India specific enhancements they don't want the source code and I why I tell you this is because you know recently uh in the Emirati experience it was the same they wanted some uh of their own uh sort of you know specific country specific enhancements and they were very quick to go ahead with it because the payments were very quick. So this how APOS looks at it. It's the access to source code is nice to have but it's not a deal breaker.

[uddu]

Cross posting from missile forum
DRDO Set to Clear Astra Mk2 for Production with Enhanced 220km Range, Poised to Become IAF's Primary BVRAAM
https://defence.in/threads/drdo-set-to- ... aam.16881/

(DRDO) is preparing to issue production clearance for the Astra Mk2 air-to-air missile later this year.

the missile has demonstrated capabilities far superior to its original design parameters.

it can effectively engage threats at a range of approximately 220 km.

According to defence sources, the missile is being integrated onto a wide variety of aircraft, including the Russian-origin Su-30MKI and MiG-29, as well as the indigenous Tejas Mk1A and the French-origin Rafale.

Reflecting the missile's central role in future air operations, the IAF is projected to place one of the largest single orders for air-to-air missiles in its history.

Sources suggest that the total requirement could exceed 500 units once formal clearance is granted.

The DRDO is scheduled to conduct firing trials of the Astra Mk2 from the Tejas Mk1A fighter later this year, which is a prerequisite for final operational clearance.

Simultaneously, work is progressing to integrate the missile with the Rafale fleet. Successful integration on the Rafale would be a landmark achievement, proving India’s ability to network indigenous weaponry with sophisticated foreign avionics.

Furthermore, the missile is being adapted for the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fighters, expanding its operational footprint to carrier-based maritime aviation.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/2022237 ... 21922?s=20 ---> DefSec on Tejas Mk1A: "On LCA Mark 1A, the five engines are available, and five aircraft are flying... Once this engine supply line stabilises, the production seems to have stabilised in any case, as far as the Indian vendors and the system and the integrator, which is HAL, are concerned. On the acceptance by the Air Force, there are some areas where the level of some of the requirements that the Air Force had is not fully met, perhaps. Although the weapons trials have been successful... However, there are issues with some of the ORs made available to HAL... The idea is that with a 180-aircraft order, over time, they should be able to really perfect it and make it meet the entire requirements of the Air Force..."

[uddu]

GE Plans Dedicated F404 Engine MRO Facility in India to Support IAF's Expanding Tejas Fleet
https://defence.in/threads/ge-plans-ded ... eet.16886/
13 Feb 2026

[Rakesh]

GE Plans Dedicated F404 Engine MRO Facility in India to Support IAF's Expanding Tejas Fleet
https://defence.in/threads/ge-plans-ded ... eet.16886/
13 Feb 2026

Saar, please put the date of the article. Please do not increase the font size either. I have edited your post.

[uddu]

Saar, please put the date of the article. Please do not increase the font size either. I have edited your post.

Okay Saar. Possible to know why the content got removed? Only portions of that are posted.

[Rakesh]

Saar, please put the date of the article. Please do not increase the font size either. I have edited your post.

Okay Saar. Possible to know why the content got removed? Only portions of that are posted.

Try not to post entire articles, unless really necessary. It opens the forum to legal infractions for copyright violations.

I post full articles only when the article is in another language and readers are unable to use Google Translate. Or if the site in question is loaded with advertisements that it makes reading the article absolutely a nightmare.

Just bold the headline, no underline. Post the link below the headline and the date below the link. That's it.

[pravula]

Does HAL or ADA own any mk1 or mk1a birds? Shouldn't they be using them for continuous dev work rather than waiting for IAF to lend them one?

[uddu]

Okay Saar. Possible to know why the content got removed? Only portions of that are posted.

Try not to post entire articles, unless really necessary. It opens the forum to legal infractions for copyright violations.

I post full articles only when the article is in another language and readers are unable to use Google Translate. Or if the site in question is loaded with advertisements that it makes reading the article absolutely a nightmare.

Just bold the headline, no underline. Post the link below the headline and the date below the link. That's it.

Not entire articles. Only relevant points from each sections.

[uddu]

If May is the time when IAF is going to inspect the fighters, can't HAL go one step ahead and start integrating the Astra MK2 variant on the Tejas MK1A. Without public announcement, the ones who worked with resolving the Astra issue, can be tasked with integrating Astra MK2 capability. Probably it's much more easier now. Time should be utilized in the best possible manner.

[Rakesh]

If May is the time when IAF is going to inspect the fighters, can't HAL go one step ahead and start integrating the Astra MK2 variant on the Tejas MK1A. Without public announcement, the ones who worked with resolving the Astra issue, can be tasked with integrating Astra MK2 capability. Probably it's much more easier now. Time should be utilized in the best possible manner.

Please no. At this stage, we want Air HQ to adopt the five air frames as per the specification they agreed to in the Feb 2021 contract they signed. Not an inch to the left or the right should be attempted by HAL. Otherwise that will be the next excuse by Air HQ to delay the induction. Just partner with Air HQ to get the first batch in and raise the squadron.

Astra Mk2, space lasers, warp guns, photon munitions, etc can wait for the future i.e. mid life upgrades.

We got 9 Mk1A squadrons to raise (180 air frames) and not a moment to lose.

[bkswarti]

If May is the time when IAF is going to inspect the fighters, can't HAL go one step ahead and start integrating the Astra MK2 variant on the Tejas MK1A. Without public announcement, the ones who worked with resolving the Astra issue, can be tasked with integrating Astra MK2 capability. Probably it's much more easier now. Time should be utilized in the best possible manner.

Bhai jo pehle minimum requirements contract mein sign kiye the, usko pehle HAL ko focus karne do. Warna ek Aur panch saal nikal jayenge jab tak HAL iss kaam ko khatam karega.

[uddu]

If May is the time when IAF is going to inspect the fighters, can't HAL go one step ahead and start integrating the Astra MK2 variant on the Tejas MK1A. Without public announcement, the ones who worked with resolving the Astra issue, can be tasked with integrating Astra MK2 capability. Probably it's much more easier now. Time should be utilized in the best possible manner.

Bhai jo pehle minimum requirements contract mein sign kiye the, usko pehle HAL ko focus karne do. Warna ek Aur panch saal nikal jayenge jab tak HAL iss kaam ko khatam karega.

That's why I mentioned without announcement or as a promise. Whatever possible can be done extra with regard to any other capability that has been tested on the PV or even to the maximum extend make suitable for that upgrade or update much more easily when time comes can be done.

[uddu]

If May is the time when IAF is going to inspect the fighters, can't HAL go one step ahead and start integrating the Astra MK2 variant on the Tejas MK1A. Without public announcement, the ones who worked with resolving the Astra issue, can be tasked with integrating Astra MK2 capability. Probably it's much more easier now. Time should be utilized in the best possible manner.

Please no. At this stage, we want Air HQ to adopt the five air frames as per the specification they agreed to in the Feb 2021 contract they signed. Not an inch to the left or the right should be attempted by HAL. Otherwise that will be the next excuse by Air HQ to delay the induction. Just partner with Air HQ to get the first batch in and raise the squadron.

Astra Mk2, space lasers, warp guns, photon munitions, etc can wait for the future i.e. mid life upgrades.

We got 9 Mk1A squadrons to raise (180 air frames) and not a moment to lose.

Give some work to the Missile teams sirji. Even ULPGM or Helina in Armour/tank busting roles will be fine.

[basant]

Charge $2.124B as ISE. Keep 124M for employees, give 1B for GTRE for Kaveri and 1B as dividend. Everybody will be happy. (124M sounds more authentic and genuine than 100M.)

[Rakesh]

Tejas Mk1As unlikely to come with full capabilities by March: Sources
https://www.business-standard.com/exter ... 898_1.html
05 Feb 2026

Defence sources say HAL has sought relaxation of certain IAF requirements to meet the previously agreed March 2026 deadline for the start of deliveries.

[bkswarti]

Tejas Mk1As unlikely to come with full capabilities by March: Sources
https://www.business-standard.com/exter ... 898_1.html
05 Feb 2026

Defence sources say HAL has sought relaxation of certain IAF requirements to meet the previously agreed March 2026 deadline for the start of deliveries.

Shameful

[Rakesh]

Tejas Mk1As unlikely to come with full capabilities by March: Sources
https://www.business-standard.com/exter ... 898_1.html
05 Feb 2026

https://x.com/connect_rishav/status/202 ... 51534?s=20 ---> @bsindia reports that LCA Mk1A is presently facing an issue of incompatibility of the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESAR to cue with other sub-systems, incl EW suite. HAL, however, insists for capability concessions to deliver the ac by Mar 2026, otherwise it may shift to June or further.

https://x.com/connect_rishav/status/202 ... 14816?s=20 ---> "There are issues highlighted by the IAF, including...operational matters and safety, that need to be addressed before the service can accept delivery of the jets.” Many issues were noted and communicated to HAL during Tejas Mk1 operations as well.

https://x.com/bheemmz/status/2022949164657856586?s=20 ---> The failure of electronic warfare systems, or jammer to work properly with the radar is an extremely serious shortcoming. In modern warfare, LCA would be shot out of the sky by the enemy within a few minutes if electronic warfare systems, don’t work properly.

[Rakesh]

Tejas Mk1As unlikely to come with full capabilities by March: Sources
https://www.business-standard.com/exter ... 898_1.html
05 Feb 2026

https://x.com/AniketBS/status/2023074163783794696?s=20 ---> Sir, writer of the article here. Just to clarify: Radar-EW issue is being fixed. IAF will soon review if it has been satisfactorily addressed. This is NOT one of the issues HAL has asked concession on, to the best of my knowledge, and as indicated by the sources I spoke to for the story. Concession matter is in parallel and on other ASQR parameters. Hope this clears things up. Also, integration issue occur elsewhere too with other platforms.

https://x.com/ungliwallah/status/202308 ... 98073?s=20 ---> Strange that an Israeli radar has issues with an Israeli EW suite.

https://x.com/AniketBS/status/2023088131546009835?s=20 ---> Sir, you will understand that some details cannot be reported, or even told to reporters like myself. But integration issues, for equipment from Israel or elsewhere, do occur.

https://x.com/AniketBS/status/2023089083309035543?s=20 ---> My focus is on the fact that crucial weapons firing is done. A lot of the issues are software related. And once you fix those on one A/C, you can port the fix to every other one.

[Bharadwaj]

^^^^^^^
The software issues are to be expected. Hal should have perhaps played it safe and gone with Thales but even that is no guarante of no delays. HAL is just on everbody's s*** list for all its past issues.

[uddu]

There is a Jet engine repair issue as well.

GE Aerospace turns to robots and 'lean' methods to tackle jet engine repair crunch
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos- ... 026-02-13/
12 Feb 2026

[uddu]

India Nears Final Clearance for Uttam AESA Radar on Tejas Mk1A Fleet, Reducing Reliance on Foreign Sensors
https://defence.in/threads/india-nears- ... ors.16908/
16 Feb 2026

According to defence sources, a major production contract with a Hyderabad-based firm—widely believed to be Astra Microwave Products Ltd, a key partner in the radar’s development—is expected to be finalised by mid-year. This contract will cover the manufacture of nearly 97 radar units plus additional reserves.

The finalisation of this deal is contingent upon the completion of final design validations and certifications, a timeline that synchronises perfectly with HAL’s manufacturing roadmap for the second Mk1A batch.

While the ELM-2052 is a formidable radar with a proven combat record, the indigenous Uttam is engineered to exceed these standards in specific domains.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Uttam radar is reported to incorporate approximately 912 Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) transmit-receive modules (TRMs).

This high density of modules significantly amplifies the radar's detection range, tracking accuracy, and ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously.

A higher volume of TRMs generally results in superior beam agility and robust performance in the face of enemy jamming.

[Prem Kumar]

https://x.com/AniketBS/status/2023074163783794696?s=20 ---> Sir, writer of the article here. Just to clarify: Radar-EW issue is being fixed. IAF will soon review if it has been satisfactorily addressed. This is NOT one of the issues HAL has asked concession on, to the best of my knowledge, and as indicated by the sources I spoke to for the story. Concession matter is in parallel and on other ASQR parameters. Hope this clears things up. Also, integration issue occur elsewhere too with other platforms.

https://x.com/ungliwallah/status/202308 ... 98073?s=20 ---> Strange that an Israeli radar has issues with an Israeli EW suite.

https://x.com/AniketBS/status/2023088131546009835?s=20 ---> Sir, you will understand that some details cannot be reported, or even told to reporters like myself. But integration issues, for equipment from Israel or elsewhere, do occur.

https://x.com/AniketBS/status/2023089083309035543?s=20 ---> My focus is on the fact that crucial weapons firing is done. A lot of the issues are software related. And once you fix those on one A/C, you can port the fix to every other one.

If what the reporter says is true, time to give tight-slaps to HAL & MoD for increasing the order size to ELTA-2052 from 40 to 83!

I am 100% sure that Uttam integration will be far smoother, but brochure-drooling idiots misplaced their faith in the Israelis