By Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL
LCA Tejas is the largest aerospace R&D program ever undertaken in India.
LCA Tejas is a 4.5 generation, all-weather multi-role aircraft available in fighter and twin seater variant, produced in order to meet the Indian Air Force and Naval requirements. LCA is a multi-role aircraft capable of taking up offensive air support, close combat and ground attack role with ease.
Tejas is a blend of modern technologies including relaxed static-stability, fly-by-wire flight control, advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics systems and advanced composite materials for the airframe.
LCA Tejas was conceptualized in the mid-1980s by Indian aeronautical and defence experts, driven by a need to fill a void in indigenous fighter aircraft development and technologies since HF 24 ‘Marut’. The aircraft was planned to replace the Russian MIG 21s. The design and development activities commenced in 1984 when the Government of India constituted the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and vested it with the overall project management responsibility of the development whereas HAL was selected as the principal partner for design and production.
LCA Technology Demonstrator TD-1 completed its maiden flight on January 4, 2001 and took India on a new journey towards achieving self-reliance in aerospace and defence. The late Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee named it as ‘Tejas’, meaning Radiance in Sanskrit.
These efforts were jointly continued by ADA and HAL by development of TDs, Prototype Vehicles (PVs) and Limited Series Production (LSPs) in order to complete the flight testing toward achieving envisaged capabilities for LCA Tejas. This culminated in the achievement of Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in December 2013, Final Operational Clearance (FOC) in February 2019 and Twin Seater variant certification in September 2023.
The Tejas programme has been a successful collaborative effort among ADA, HAL, DRDO labs, IAF, IN, CEMILAC, DGAQA, CSIR, eminent national educational Institutions (IITs, NITs, IISc etc.), several prominent players from private industry and hundreds of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The Government of India has shown immense confidence in the platform and signed contracts with HAL for supply of 123 aircraft in IOC, FOC and Mk1A in Fighter and Twin Seater configuration. LCA Mk1A is the most advanced version of the LCA Tejas equipped with AESA Radar, EW suite consisting of radar warning and self-protection jamming, Digital Map Generator (DMG), Smart Multi-function Displays (SMFD), Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT), Software Defined Radio (SDR), next-gen Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS), Advanced Radio Altimeter and other advanced features along with Advanced Short-Range Air to Air (ASRAAM) and BVR missile capabilities.
LCA Tejas is in service with the Indian Air Force from 2016 and IAF’s confidence in Tejas is the best assurance towards its unmatched combat power for its class of aircraft which would further solidify with additional orders of LCA Mk1A to make it the mainstay fighter aircraft for Indian air power in future. HAL’s capability and commitment to support it for a life time in collaboration with involved stakeholders makes it further rewarding for the aerospace eco system in India.
Considering the huge demand for LCA Tejas, three production lines have been established for manufacturing and assembly of aircraft across HAL - two lines at Bengaluru-based Division and one at Nashik. Further, an additional production facility to cater to twin seater variant, manufacturing of detailed parts, allied operations (Heat Treatment, process shop etc) has also been established at HAL’s Bangalore Complex to support the ongoing production of LCA Tejas and future orders.
LCA-Tejas has emerged out as an ecosystem multiplier in the country. It has resulted in the development of a national aerospace ecosystem both in terms of design and production with the participation of approximately 140+ Design agencies and hundreds of agencies which encompass other facets of manufacturing of components, structural assembles, Tools Tester and Ground support equipment. Aligning with India's "Make in India" initiative, majority of the detailed components are outsourced including structural modules like Centre Fuselage, Rear Fuselage, wing, fin, rudder and air intake at present. Further enhancement of private agencies participation in LCA program is also being explored through insourcing route which aims to boost domestic production and self-reliance in Defence.
Today, India is self-reliant in most of the Military Fighter Aircraft Contemporary Technologies and this has been possible largely due to the Tejas program. The ecosystem created by Tejas in the country for design and production has given confidence to go ahead with future indigenous military fighter aircraft programs like LCA Tejas Mk2, Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), Fifth Generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle etc. which will also contribute tremendously in the pursuit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and take India towards Viksit Bharat with its export potential in years to come.
