Operation Sindoor effect? India to receive Tejas Mk1 A variant fighter jet with new Israeli scan tech

The Indian Air Force is set to receive advanced LCA Tejas Mk1 A variant later this month, more than a year after the scheduled delivery, according to a report.

The delay, largely attributed to supply chain issues, comes at a time when regional tensions with Pakistan have sharpened the need for modern combat aircraft.

While Jerusalem Post reported that India will receive new Tejas A1 variant, News 18 countered the claim saying that India will receive Tejas Mk1 A and not A1 variant.

The move represents a significant leap in capability, integrating cutting-edge Israeli technology to bring the aircraft closer to Western standards.

The jet features an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar developed by Elta Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, replacing an earlier radar model. Elta is also supplying an advanced electronic warfare system for the aircraft, added the report.

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Pilots will benefit from a state-of-the-art helmet-mounted display developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems, while Rafael’s radar-guided Derby missiles will arm the aircraft, enhancing its air-to-air combat potential, reported Jerusalem Post.

Critical moment for defence sector

This marks a critical moment for India’s defence sector, as the A1 variant is the first of 83 Tejas jets ordered under a new production contract. Each of these aircraft will be equipped with multimillion-dollar Israeli systems manufactured in India through joint ventures with local firms, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ policy.

According to the report, citing defence analysts, the Tejas A1 will be outfitted with more Israeli systems than many Israeli Air Force jets, which continue to use American radars due to US export restrictions.

India’s reliance on the indigenous Tejas to replace its aging MiG-21 and Jaguar fleets is part of a broader modernisation effort. However, the transition has faced hurdles.

The IAF currently operates just 31 fighter squadrons, well short of the planned 42, due in part to delays in domestic aircraft production.

The Air Force has already inducted 40 Tejas fighters from an earlier production run. However, the rollout of the newer A1 model was pushed back by engine delivery delays from US-based General Electric, as well as previous bottlenecks involving Israeli components.

India continues to grapple with a strategic debate between pursuing high-quality foreign systems and developing homegrown technology, which has often faced criticism for inconsistent performance.

While the Ministry of Defence’s research arm pushes for indigenous innovation, military branches have frequently preferred proven foreign alternatives.

Looking ahead, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) is already working on a more advanced version of the Tejas. The upcoming model will feature canard wings, improved range, and upgraded systems, reported Jerusalem Post.

Israeli, French, and American defence firms are currently in competition to supply the next wave of onboard technology.

India-Pakistan tensions

On May 7, India carried out precision strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.

Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations.

India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.

With inputs from agencies