Why In The News?

An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during the Dubai Air Show, killing Wing Commander Namansh Syal, after spiralling out of control and igniting on impact at Al Maktoum International Airport.

1)Tejas Mk1A: 

• About: The Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded variant of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Purpose: This version is aimed to enhance operational and combat capabilities, survivability and maintainability over the baseline Mk1.
• Capabilities:
  • Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar integration.
  • Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) – radar‑warning and self‑protection jamming.
  • Upgraded Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A) for better maneuverability and stability.
  • Missile compatibility- Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles, Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles and Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).
  • Planned integration of Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT), Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Operating Data Link (ODL) with existing onboard avionics.

2) LCA Tejas:

• About: The LCA Tejas programme, initiated by the Government of India in 1984, aimed to replace the ageing MiG-21 fighter jets. The programme is managed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
• Features:
  • Lightest, smallest, and tailless multi-role supersonic fighter in its class.
  • Capable of carrying a variety of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and precision-guided weapons.
  • Maximum payload capacity of 4000 kg.
  • Maximum speed: Mach 1.8.
  • Range: 3,000 km.
• Variants of Tejas:
  • Tejas Trainer: 2-seater operational conversion trainer for training air force pilots.
  • LCA Navy: Twin- and single-seat carrier-capable for the Indian Navy.
  • LCA Tejas Navy MK2: This is phase 2 of the LCA Navy variant.
  • LCA Tejas Mk-1A: This is an improvement over the LCA Tejas Mk1 with a higher thrust engine.

3)Fifth Generation Fighter Jets:

• About:
  • Combat Role: Designed for highly contested combat zones with advanced air and ground threats.
  • Stealth & Speed: Feature stealth technology and supercruise capability.
  • Key Advantages:
    • Multi-spectral low-observable design
    • Enhanced self-protection
    • Radar jamming capabilities
    • Fully integrated avionics systems
  • Global Operators:
    • Russia: Sukhoi Su-57
    • China: Chengdu J-20
    • United States: F-35 series
• Need for India:
  • Squadron Strength: IAF has ~30 squadrons, below the sanctioned 42.
  • Ageing Fleet:
    • MiG-21
    • MiG-29
    • Jaguar
    • Mirage 2000
    • All to be phased out by mid-next decade.
  • Airpower Gap:
    • China: 3,304 aircraft
    • India: 2,296 aircraft
    • Pakistan: 1,434 aircraft
  • Strategic Need: Strengthen air defences against China and Pakistan and increase defence self-reliance.
  • Indigenous Development:
    • Developing AMCA
    • Five prototypes planned
    • Joint effort by ADA, HAL, and private industry
  • Strategic Positioning: 5G fighters would place India alongside the US, Russia, and China.

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