HAL Tejas: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}

| manufacturer = [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]

| design group = [[Aeronautical Development Agency]] <br />Aircraft Research and Design Centre (HAL) <br />[[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] <br />[[National Aerospace Laboratories]]

| designer =  

| introduced = 17 January 2015<ref name="auto1">{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/after-32-years-india-finally-gets-lca-tejas-aircraft/articleshow/45921356.cms?imageid=45757544#slide1 |title=After 32 years, India finally gets LCA Tejas aircraft |date=17 January 2015 |access-date=17 January 2015 |last=PTI |newspaper=Economic Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329234640/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/after-32-years-india-finally-gets-lca-tejas-aircraft/articleshow/45921356.cms?imageid=45757544#slide1 |archive-date=29 March 2022}}</ref>

| number built = 40 {{asof|2021|10|30|lc=on}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1783420|title=MIG-21 Aircraft|date= 20 December 2021|website=PIB|access-date=17 January 2022}}</ref><ref name="newindianexpress.com">{{cite web|date=1 April 2013|title=Tejas LSP-8 makes its maiden flight|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2013/apr/01/tejas-lsp-8-makes-its-maiden-flight-463758.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217093449/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2013/apr/01/tejas-lsp-8-makes-its-maiden-flight-463758.html|archive-date=17 February 2020|access-date=2021-11-08|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://hal-india.co.in/LCA-Tejas%20Divisions%20Bangalore/M__187|title=LCA-Tejas Division Bangalore|website=HAL|access-date=22 January 2022}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite news|last=Press Trust of India|date=7 February 2015|title=Maiden flight by 2nd prototype of LCA Tejas' naval variant|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maiden-flight-by-2nd-prototype-of-lca-tejas-naval-variant/articleshow/46156784.cms|url-status=live|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405024001/http://www.defenceaviation.com/2010/04/lca-tejas-finally-gets-radar.html|archive-date=5 April 2022}}</ref><ref name=":26" />

| developed into = [[HAL Tejas Mk2]]

[[HAL TEDBF]]

The '''HAL Tejas''' is an Indian, single engine, [[delta wing]], light [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]] fighter designed by the [[Aeronautical Development Agency]] (ADA) in collaboration with Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) of [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) for the [[Indian Air Force]] and [[Indian Navy]].<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2016-07-01|title=Indigenous Tejas joins IAF's fighter squadron|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Indigenous-Tejas-joins-IAF%E2%80%99s-fighter-squadron/article14465804.ece|access-date=2021-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108101311/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Indigenous-Tejas-joins-IAF%E2%80%99s-fighter-squadron/article14465804.ece|archive-date=8 November 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> It came from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, which began in the 1980s to replace India's ageing [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] fighters but later became part of a general fleet modernisation programme.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2016-05-28|title=Tejas to replace MiG as key fighter|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Tejas-to-replace-MiG-as-key-fighter/article14344179.ece|access-date=2021-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001023038/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Tejas-to-replace-MiG-as-key-fighter/article14344179.ece|archive-date=1 October 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=20 December 2021|title=Tejas not being inducted as replacement of MIG-21 fighter jet: Defence Ministry|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/tejas-not-being-inducted-as-replacement-of-mig-21-fighter-jet-defence-ministry/842180|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-20|website=Times Now News|language=en|archive-date=20 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220202637/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/tejas-not-being-inducted-as-replacement-of-mig-21-fighter-jet-defence-ministry/842180}}</ref> In 2003, the LCA was officially named "Tejas".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Tewary|first=Amarnath|date=2016-07-06|title=Pokhran-II delayed Tejas project, says former scientist|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Pokhran-II-delayed-Tejas-project-says-former-scientist/article14474390.ece|access-date=2021-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013231615/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Pokhran-II-delayed-Tejas-project-says-former-scientist/article14474390.ece?homepage=true|archive-date=13 October 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> It is the smallest and lightest in its class of contemporary supersonic combat aircraft.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |last=Siddiqui |first=Huma |date=2021-10-06 |title=LCA could be a good option for Argentine Air Force, says a source |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/lca-could-be-a-good-option-for-argentine-air-force-says-a-source/2345231/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-11-24 |website=The Financial Express |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019063337/https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/lca-could-be-a-good-option-for-argentine-air-force-says-a-source/2345231/ |archive-date=19 October 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Tejas is the second supersonic fighter developed by HAL after the [[HAL HF-24 Marut]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2011-01-10|title=Fit to fly: The Tejas, first India-designed fighter jet|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-12152063|access-date=2021-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927154928/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-12152063|archive-date=27 September 2021}}</ref> The Tejas achieved initial operational clearance in 2011 and final operational clearance in 2019. The first Tejas squadron became operational in 2016, as [[No. 45 Squadron IAF]] ''Flying Daggers'' was the first to have their MiG-21s replaced with the Tejas.<ref name=":26" />

The Tejas currently has three production models – Tejas Mark 1, Mark 1A and trainer variant. The IAF currently placed an order for 40 Tejas Mark 1 and 73 Tejas Mark 1A and 10 trainer aircraft. The IAF plans to procure 324 aircraft in all variants, including the [[HAL Tejas Mk2|Tejas Mark 2]] currently being developed by the HAL.<ref name=":11">{{cite web|last=Gady|first=Franz-Stefan|date=16 April 2018|title=Tejas Fighter Jets Participate in India's Biggest Air Combat Exercise|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/tejas-fighter-jets-participate-in-indias-biggest-air-combat-exercise/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020170627/https://thediplomat.com/2018/04/tejas-fighter-jets-participate-in-indias-biggest-air-combat-exercise/|archive-date=20 October 2021|access-date=2021-10-19|website=thediplomat.com|language=en-US}}</ref> The Tejas Mark 2 is expected to be ready for series production by 2026.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2021-07-26|title=HAL ready to export LCA-Tejas, Mark-2 getting ready|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/hal-ready-to-export-lca-tejas-mark-2-getting-ready/article35541408.ece|access-date=2021-07-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902173155/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/hal-ready-to-export-lca-tejas-mark-2-getting-ready/article35541408.ece|archive-date=2 September 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

{{asof|2022}} indigenous content in the Tejas Mark 1 is 59.7% by value and 75.5% by number of [[line replaceable unit]]s.<ref>{{cite web|last=[[Press Trust of India]]|date=18 November 2016|title=Indigenous content of Tejas 59.7% by value & 75.5% by numbers The Minister of State for Defence, Subhash Bhamre, reported to Parliament|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/indigenous-content-of-tejas-59-7-by-value-75-5-by-numbers-4383036/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209152245/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/indigenous-content-of-tejas-59-7-by-value-75-5-by-numbers-4383036/|archive-date=9 December 2017|access-date=9 December 2017|website=indianexpress.com}}</ref> As the defense minister announced, the indigenous content of the Tejas Mk 1A is expected to be 50% and rise to 60% by the end of the programme.<ref>{{cite web|last=[[The Economic Times|Economic Times]]|date=15 January 2021|title=India approves Rs 48,000 crore to procure 83 indigenously-developed LCA Tejas for the IAF|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-approves-rs-48000-crore-to-procure-83-indigenously-developed-lca-tejas-for-the-iaf/indigenous-content/slideshow/80282493.cms|url-status=live|access-date=31 July 2022|website=economictimes.indiatimes.com/}}</ref>

The origin of LCA programme can be traced back to the early 1980s. In 1983, the Government of India established the LCA project with the initial goal to develop a new light combat aircraft to replace the ageing IAF fighters, especially the MiG-21 variants,<ref name=":15">{{Cite news|last=Alex Philip|first=Snehesh|date=8 August 2021|title=Tejas flying record world's best, criticism unfortunate, says IAF veteran who flew LCA at 78|work=[[ThePrint]]|url=https://theprint.in/defence/tejas-flying-record-worlds-best-criticism-unfortunate-says-iaf-veteran-who-flew-lca-at-78/710466/|access-date=31 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031040444/https://theprint.in/defence/tejas-flying-record-worlds-best-criticism-unfortunate-says-iaf-veteran-who-flew-lca-at-78/710466/|archive-date=31 October 2021}}</ref> which had been the mainstay of the IAF since 1963.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news|last=Alex Philip|first=Snehesh|date=24 May 2021|title=11 down in 5 yrs, 3 in 2021, but many in IAF still swear by MiG-21s despite its 'safety record'|work=[[ThePrint]]|url=https://theprint.in/defence/11-down-in-5-yrs-3-in-2021-but-many-in-iaf-still-swear-by-mig-21s-despite-its-safety-record/663813/|access-date=31 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031041009/https://theprint.in/defence/11-down-in-5-yrs-3-in-2021-but-many-in-iaf-still-swear-by-mig-21s-despite-its-safety-record/663813/|archive-date=31 October 2021}}</ref> At one point the IAF had operated as many as 874 MiG-21s.<ref name=":14"/> The "Long Term Re-Equipment Plan 1981" noted that most of these IAF fighters were approaching the end of their service lives by the early-1990s, and that by 1995, the IAF would be 40 percent short of the aircraft needed to fill its projected force structure requirements.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Biswas|first1=Shreya|date=1 July 2016|title=Tejas Light Combat Aircraft: Here's how India created its first Flying Dagger|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/tejas-light-combat-aircraft-history-indian-air-force-326777-2016-07-01|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008205808/https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/tejas-light-combat-aircraft-history-indian-air-force-326777-2016-07-01|archive-date=8 October 2021|access-date=2 November 2021|website=India Today}}</ref>

The [[Specification|project definition]] phase was commenced in October 1986<ref name=":15"/> with France's [[Dassault|Dassault-Breguet]] Aviation as consultant. Dassault-Breguet's expertise was mainly utilised in the design and system integration of the Tejas.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=24 October 1987 |title=Dassault wins Indian LCA contract |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202148.html |magazine=[[Flight International]] |location=London |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053019/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1987/1987%20-%202148.html |archive-date=22 December 2022}}</ref> In 1988, Dassault had offered a hybrid fly by wire flight control system for the LCA. It consists of three digital channels and one analogue channel, the French idea was to have a fourth analogue channel as a back up in case the digital channels fails. But the ADA was in favour of having a quadruplex digital FBW flight control system on LCA.<ref name=":16" />

The design of the Tejas was finalised in 1990 – a small tailless [[Delta wing|compound delta wing]] design with inherent [[relaxed static stability]] which necessitates the need for digital FBW flight control system ([[Fly-by-wire#Safety and redundancy|''control configured vehicle'']] concept) for enhanced manoeuvrability.<ref name=":16">{{Cite book|last=Rajkumar|first=Philip|title=Tejas Story: The Light Combat Aircraft Project|publisher=Manohar Publishers and Distributors|date=1 January 2007|isbn=978-8173047640|pages=47–49|language=en}}</ref> [[Kota Harinarayana]] was the Programme Director and Chief Designer of Tejas.<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-08-22|title=Tejas chief designer felicitated|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/Tejas-chief-designer-felicitated/article14583452.ece|access-date=2021-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031144857/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/Tejas-chief-designer-felicitated/article14583452.ece|archive-date=31 October 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In 1992, a dedicated ''National Control Law (CLAW)'' team was set up by the [[National Aerospace Laboratories]] to develop India's own state of the art FBW flight control system for the Tejas. Earlier [[Lockheed Martin]]'s consultancy was utilized for the development of fly by wire flight control system. However Lockheed Martin withdrew its assistance In 1998, owing to the US embargo in response to India's second [[Pokhran-II|nuclear tests]] in that year,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Taylor|first=Michael J. H|title=Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999-2000|publisher=University of Nebraska Press|date=1 May 1999|isbn=978-1857532456|pages=29–30|language=en}}</ref> which delayed the programme.<ref name=":16" />

The NAL's CLAW team completed the design and integration of the flight control laws with the flight control system software, and put to test at the ''Iron-Bird'' test rig. The quadruplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system, performing flawlessly for over 50 hours of pilot testing on Technology Demonstrator TD-1 cleared for flight test by early 2001. On 4 January 2001, on its maiden flight, the TD-1 successfully flew with an indigenous quadruplex digital FBW flight control system.<ref name=":16" />

Another critical technology needed for LCA was the multi-mode radar (MMR). Initially, the [[Ericsson]]/[[Ferranti]] PS-05/A I/J-band multi-function radar, also used on [[Saab Group|Saab]]'s [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|JAS 39 Gripen]], was intended to be used.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Taylor|first1=John W.R|title="HAL Light Combat Aircraft" in "Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1989-1990"|last2=Munson|first2=Kenneth|last3=Taylor|first3=Michael J.H|publisher=Jane's Information Group|year=1989|isbn=0-7106-0896-9|location=Coulsdon, Surrey, UK|page=104}}</ref> However, DRDO decided to develop an indigenous multi-mode radar for the Tejas. HAL's Hyderabad division and the DRDO's [[Electronics and Radar Development Establishment]] (LRDE) laboratory were selected to jointly lead the MMR programme, and work commenced in 1997.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Aroor|first=Shiv|date=7 April 2006|title='Indigenous' aircraft needs foreign lift, for its radar|work=[[The Indian Express]]|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/-indigenous--aircraft-needs-foreign-lift-for-its-radar/2025/|access-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108005636/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/-indigenous--aircraft-needs-foreign-lift-for-its-radar/2025/|archive-date=8 January 2022}}</ref> The [[Centre for Airborne Systems]] (CABS) was responsible for the MMR's test programme. An [[Hawker Siddeley HS 748 Series 2A|HAL-748]] airborne surveillance aircraft was converted for this purpose.<ref name=":17">{{Cite book|last=Kapur|first=Vivek|title=Indian Aircraft Industry: Possible Innovations for Success in the Twenty-First Century|publisher=KW Publishers|date=1 January 2018|isbn=978-9386288684|pages=57–58|language=en}}</ref> The development of multi-mode was not smooth, as it suffered some setbacks. By 2005, only two radar modes – the air-to-air look-up and look-down were confirmed to have been successfully tested. The performance of several other modes that had been tested were suboptimal.<ref name=":17"/> The problem with the radar was mainly attributed to the lack of compatibility between the LRDE/HAL multi mode radar and the LRDE's advanced signal processor module.<ref name=":1"/> Using an "off-the-shelf" foreign radar as an interim option was considered.<ref name=":19">{{Cite news|last=Sharma|first=Ravi|date=2008-10-03|title=LCA to be fitted with Israeli multi-mode radar|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/LCA-to-be-fitted-with-Israeli-multi-mode-radar/article15315625.ece|access-date=2021-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006092153/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/03/stories/2008100356310900.htm|archive-date=6 October 2008|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

Prototype testing began in 2003, a year after the first flight of the second Technology Demonstrator (TD-2).<ref name=":7" /> The first prototype aircraft, PV-1, made its maiden flight in 2003. The first trainer prototype PV-5 was rolled out in 2009 and made its first flight on 26 November 2009.<ref name=":7" /> A total of two trainer prototypes were built and designated PV-5 and PV-06. The first naval prototype, designated NP-1, made its first flight on 27 April 2012. It was a twin-seater aircraft, while the second naval prototype, designated as NP-2, was a single seater. Both naval prototypes were used extensively for various [[aircraft carrier]]-related trials at the [[Shore Based Test Facility]] in Goa. NP-2 was used in the actual carrier trials, where it made an arrested recovery and ski-jump assisted take-off from the aircraft-carrier [[INS Vikramaditya]] in January 2020.<ref name=":20" />

In the second half of 2012, the Tejas fleet was grounded for over three months and the ejection system had to be modified to resume flight tests by the end of 2012.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2012-11-27|title=After three months on ground, combat aircraft Tejas resumes test flight|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/after-three-months-on-ground-combat-aircraft-tejas-resumes-test-flight-112112702031_1.html|access-date=2021-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805231156/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/after-three-months-on-ground-combat-aircraft-tejas-resumes-test-flight-112112702031_1.html|archive-date=5 August 2022}}</ref> In 2013, Tejas (LSP-7) conducted an inflight [[Windmill restart|engine relight]] test at high altitude to assess the engine response on flameout, a critical parameter for operational clearance. The inflight engine relight test is crucial for single engine combat aircraft.<ref>{{cite news|last=Krishnan M|first=Anantha|date=28 September 2013|title=Maiden engine relight test of Tejas held|newspaper=The New Indian Express|url=http://newindianexpress.com/nation/Maiden-engine-relight-test-of-Tejas-held/2013/09/28/article1807563.ece|access-date=28 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517000550/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2013/sep/28/Maiden-engine-relight-test-of-Tejas-held-519152.html|archive-date=17 May 2021}}</ref>

In December 2006, the IAF announced that it would form an "LCA Induction Team" to manage the aircraft's service introduction.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sharma|first=Ravi|date=2006-12-03|title=IAF team to oversee LCA induction and operation|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/iaf-team-to-oversee-lca-induction-and-operation/article3028492.ece|access-date=2021-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108005636/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/iaf-team-to-oversee-lca-induction-and-operation/article3028492.ece|archive-date=8 January 2016|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The Tejas was awarded initial operational clearance-I (IOC-I) in January 2011.<ref name="hindu_tejas">Prasad, K. V. [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1077899.ece "Tejas gets Initial Operational Clearance."] ''The Hindu'', (Chennai, India), 10 January 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2012. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202232600/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1077899.ece |date=2 February 2022}}</ref> To ease up the process of FOC, an interim IOC-II was issued to Tejas in December 2013. The IOC-II expanded the g-limit, [[angle of attack]] and allowed the aircraft to carry precision guided munitions and close combat missiles. The IOC-II Tejas have an operational radius of 400–500&nbsp;km.<ref>{{cite news|last=Krishnan M|first=Anantha|date=8 December 2013|title=Tejas Fires Missile, Clears Final Test; Big Step in Bangalore on December 20|newspaper=The New Indian Express|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/Tejas-Fires-Missile-Clears-Final-Test-Big-Step-in-Bangalore-on-December-20/2013/12/08/article1934339.ece|access-date=20 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223033405/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bangalore/Tejas-Fires-Missile-Clears-Final-Test-Big-Step-in-Bangalore-on-December-20/2013/12/08/article1934339.ece|archive-date=23 December 2022}}</ref><ref name="thin9143">{{cite news|last=Bhatnagar|first=Gaurav Vivek|date=19 December 2013|title=Tejas all set to get certification for IAF induction|newspaper=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tejas-all-set-to-get-certification-for-iaf-induction/article5479143.ece|url-status=live|access-date=20 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220174030/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tejas-all-set-to-get-certification-for-iaf-induction/article5479143.ece|archive-date=20 December 2022}}</ref> The first squadron, consisting of Tejas in IOC-II configuration, became operational in 2016.<ref name="HinduTejasSqn2">{{Cite news|last=Thomas|first=Wilson|date=2020-05-27|title=IAF operationalises second LCA squadron, inducts first LCA Tejas in FOC standard|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/iaf-operationalises-second-lca-squadron-inducts-first-lca-tejas-in-foc-standard/article31685568.ece|access-date=2020-05-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604121053/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/iaf-operationalises-second-lca-squadron-inducts-first-lca-tejas-in-foc-standard/article31685568.ece|archive-date=4 June 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The [[No. 45 Squadron IAF]] based at [[Sulur Air Force Station]], [[Coimbatore]] was the first to have their MiG-21s replaced by Tejas aircraft at the base.<ref name=":26">{{cite web|last=Rajkumar|first=Mike|date=19 March 2020|title=Deal for 83 Tejas fighters passes bureaucratic hurdle|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/deal-for-83-tejas-fighters-passes-bureaucratic-hurdle/137396.article|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118011432/https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/deal-for-83-tejas-fighters-passes-bureaucratic-hurdle/137396.article|archive-date=18 January 2021|access-date=2021-11-02|website=Flight Global|language=en}}</ref>

The ''Naval LCA programme'' was commenced in 2003.<ref name=":29">{{cite web|date=11 January 2020|title=LCA does 1st carrier landing, but will Indian Navy ever buy it?|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/01/11/lca-does-1st-carrier-landing-but-will-indian-navy-ever-buy-it.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702234747/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/01/11/lca-does-1st-carrier-landing-but-will-indian-navy-ever-buy-it.html|archive-date=2 July 2021|access-date=2021-11-04|website=The Week|language=en}}</ref> According to ADA, the ''Naval LCA (N-LCA) Programme'' was envisaged to be completed in two phases, under Phase-1 two naval prototypes were developed - the two-seat ''NP-1'' and the single-seat ''NP-2'', based on the Tejas Mark 1 design, to carryout carrier suitability certification and weapons integration. Under Phase 2, two single-seat prototypes were planned to be built, based on the Tejas Mark 2 design, with further design optimisation and integration of the [[General Electric F414|General Electric F414 INS6]] engine.<ref name="auto10">{{cite web|title=ADA LCA Navy Programme|url=https://www.ada.gov.in/ada/navy-mark1-mark2.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510142428/https://www.ada.gov.in/ada/navy-mark1-mark2.html|archive-date=10 May 2021|access-date=4 November 2021|website=[[Aeronautical Development Agency]]}}</ref> The first naval prototype NP-1 was rolled out in July 2010,<ref name=":28" /> and made its first flight on 27 April 2012.<ref name="First flight">Kumar, Chethan. [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/244815/lca-naval-variants-first-flight.html "LCA naval variant's first flight on Friday."] ''Deccan Herald'', 25 April 2012. Retrieved 30 May 2012. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202190045/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/244815/lca-naval-variants-first-flight.html |date=2 February 2022}}</ref> The naval LCA has stronger landing gear to absorb the forces generated during carrier take off and arrested recovery.<ref name=":29"/><ref name=":30">{{Cite news|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=2014-12-23|title=Naval LCA makes first flight from ski-jump|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/naval-lca-makes-first-flight-from-skijump/article6717318.ece|access-date=2021-11-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609181958/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/naval-lca-makes-first-flight-from-skijump/article6717318.ece|archive-date=9 June 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

In December 2016, the Indian Navy (IN) opted out of the programme, owing to the long delay and technical reasons – such as inadequate thrust to weight ratio of N-LCA for carrier based combat operations,<ref>{{cite web|last=Bedi|first=Rahul|date=5 December 2016|title=Indian Navy rejects naval version of Tejas LCA, seeks alternative – IHS Jane's 360|url=http://www.janes.com/article/65993/indian-navy-rejects-naval-version-of-tejas-lca-seeks-alternative|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220075020/http://www.janes.com/article/65993/indian-navy-rejects-naval-version-of-tejas-lca-seeks-alternative|archive-date=20 December 2016|access-date=27 January 2017|work=janes.com}}</ref> and issued a fresh RFI for the procurement of 57 multi-role carrier borne fighters.<ref name="janes.com">{{Cite news|last=Jennings|first=Gareth|date=26 January 2017|title=India seeks new naval fighter to replace rejected Tejas LCA|work=IHS Jane's 360|url=http://www.janes.com/article/67252/india-seeks-new-naval-fighter-to-replace-rejected-tejas-lca|url-status=live|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131630/http://www.janes.com/article/67252/india-seeks-new-naval-fighter-to-replace-rejected-tejas-lca|archive-date=24 February 2022}}</ref>

* LCA Programme - {{INRConvert|9063.96|c|year=2022}} (up to March 2020)<ref name=":33">{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2020-03-04|title=₹11,096 cr. spent on LCA and Kaveri engine projects so far, says govt.|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/11096-cr-spent-on-lca-and-kaveri-engine-projects-so-far-says-govt/article30982412.ece|access-date=2021-11-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624234703/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/11096-cr-spent-on-lca-and-kaveri-engine-projects-so-far-says-govt/article30982412.ece|archive-date=24 June 2020|issn=0971-751X|quote=Of the specified amount, ₹9063.96 crore was spent on LCA and ₹2032 crore on the Kaveri Engine.}}</ref>

* Kaveri engine programme - {{INRConvert|2032|c|year=2022}}<ref name=":33"/>

* {{INRConvert|146.2|c|year=2022}} for IOC Mark 1 (2014)<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shukla|first1=Ajai|date=11 January 2014|title=HAL pegs price of Tejas fighter at Rs 162 crore|work=Business Standard|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/hal-pegs-price-of-tejas-fighter-at-rs-162-crore-114011100829_1.html|access-date=17 July 2021|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121221316/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/hal-pegs-price-of-tejas-fighter-at-rs-162-crore-114011100829_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BS25Jan21">{{cite news |title=Several nations have shown interest in buying Tejas aircraft: HAL chairman |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/several-nations-have-shown-interest-in-buying-tejas-aircraft-hal-chairman-121012500056_1.html|author=Press Trust of India |date=25 January 2021|work=Business Standard|archive-url= https://archive.today/20210507202233/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/several-nations-have-shown-interest-in-buying-tejas-aircraft-hal-chairman-121012500056_1.html|archive-date= 7 May 2021 |url-status= live}}</ref>

* {{INRConvert|156|c|year=2022}} for FOC Mark 1 (2010)<ref name="BS25Jan21"/>

The formation of the first Tejas-equipped squadron started in July 2011. The first Tejas squadron—[[No. 45 Squadron IAF]] ''(Flying Daggers)'' became operational in July 2016,<ref name="HinduTejasSqn2"/> based at [[Sulur Air Force Station]] in Coimbatore.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=Chethan|date=10 July 2011|title=IAF begins establishing first LCA squadron|work=[[Deccan Herald]]|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/175226/iaf-begins-establishing-first-lca.html|access-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220172310/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/175226/iaf-begins-establishing-first-lca.html|archive-date=20 December 2022}}</ref> The second Tejas Mark 1 squadron, [[No. 18 Squadron IAF|Squadron 18]], was formed at [[Sulur Air Force Station|Sulur]] on 27 May 2020.<ref name="tejas2sq">{{cite web|last=Dinakar|first=Peri|date=19 May 2020|title=We hope to sign the deal for 83 LCA-Mk1A within next three months, says Bhadauria|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/we-hope-to-sign-the-deal-for-83-lca-mk1a-within-next-three-months-says-bhadauria/article31618828.ece|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605155116/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/we-hope-to-sign-the-deal-for-83-lca-mk1a-within-next-three-months-says-bhadauria/article31618828.ece|archive-date=5 June 2021|access-date=19 May 2020|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The Tejas Mark 1 made its international debut on 21 January 2016, at the fourth [[Bahrain International Airshow]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoyle|first=Craig|date=25 January 2016|title=Bahrain debut for export-ready Tejas fighter|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/bahrain-debut-for-export-ready-tejas-fighter/119434.article|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125133542/https://www.flightglobal.com/bahrain-debut-for-export-ready-tejas-fighter/119434.article|archive-date=25 January 2021|access-date=2021-10-19|website=Flight Global|language=en}}</ref>

According to the commanding officer of [[No. 45 Squadron IAF|No. 45 Squadron]] – Group Captain Samrath Dhankhar, DASH IV HMDS enables the Tejas pilot to take full advantage of high off-boresight [[Air-to-air missile#Fifth generation|close combat missiles]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Waldron|first=Greg|date=5 April 2019|title=How Lima Deployment Marked New High For India's Tejas|newspaper=FlightGlobal|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-how-lima-deployment-marked-new-high-for-in-457001/|access-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929000734/https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis/analysis-how-lima-deployment-marked-new-high-for-indias-tejas/132030.article|archive-date=29 September 2022}}</ref> such as – Python-5 and R-73.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=2021-04-28|title=LCA Tejas adds 5th gen air-to-air missile to its weapons capability|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lca-tejas-adds-5th-gen-air-to-air-missile-to-its-weapons-capability/article34430456.ece|access-date=2021-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022214843/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lca-tejas-adds-5th-gen-air-to-air-missile-to-its-weapons-capability/article34430456.ece|archive-date=22 October 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

During the Dubai Airshow 2021, Egyptian officials expressed their interest in procuring 70 LCA Tejas<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dailynewsegypt.com/2022/07/01/india-plans-to-manufacture-hal-tejas-fighter-jet-in-egypt/|title=StackPath|website=dailynewsegypt.com}}</ref> to replace their 100 Chinese-made [[Hongdu JL-8]] trainers. Following the Dubai Airshow 2021, HAL and Indian Air Force officials visited Cairo and discussions were going on. As of June 2022, India has offered to set up local production facilities for the LCA Tejas and also for the Light Utility and Light Combat Helicopters in Egypt.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-offers-to-set-up-production-facilities-for-light-combat-aircraft-copters-in-egypt/articleshow/92477494.cms?from=mdr|title=India offers to set up production facilities for light combat aircraft, helicopters in Egypt|first=Manu|last=Pubby|via=The Economic Times}}</ref>

[[Malaysia]] has frequently indicated that it may be interested in purchasing the HAL Tejas for the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]] (RMAF), as part of its attempts to supplement its [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29 fleet]]; reports of Malaysian interest in procuring the aircraft date back to as early as 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=Siddiqui|first=Huma|date=21 July 2021|title=HAL is all set to respond to Royal Malaysian Air Force's RfP for LCA|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/hal-is-all-set-to-respond-to-royal-malaysian-air-forces-rfp-for-lca/2295082/|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-13|website=The Financial Express|language=en|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113152245/https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/hal-is-all-set-to-respond-to-royal-malaysian-air-forces-rfp-for-lca/2295082/}}</ref>

In March 2019, the HAL Tejas made its international debut at the [[Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition]] (LIMA); its presence reportedly generated a great deal of interest, especially amongst the RMAF and then-[[Prime Minister of Malaysia|Malaysian PM]] [[Mahathir Mohamad|Mahathir bin Mohamad]].<ref>{{cite web|date=27 March 2019|title=IAF's LCA-Tejas fighter jets steal the show at LIMA 2019 in Malaysia|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/iafs-lca-tejas-fighter-jets-steal-the-show-at-lima-2019-in-malaysia-2190634.html|url-status=live|access-date=13 January 2022|website=Zee News|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113144343/https://zeenews.india.com/india/iafs-lca-tejas-fighter-jets-steal-the-show-at-lima-2019-in-malaysia-2190634.html}}</ref>

However, in mid-2019, HAL's prospects of exporting the HAL Tejas to Malaysia were severely blemished, owing to [[India–Malaysia relations|diplomatic tussles between India and Malaysia]] — most particularly Malaysia's contentious remarks over India's [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|abrogation of Article 370]] and India's retaliatory move of boycotting Malaysian-produced palm oil.<ref>{{cite web|last=Philip|first=Snehesh Alex|date=18 November 2019|title=HAL eyes first foreign sale of Tejas as Malaysian air force shortlists contenders|url=https://theprint.in/defence/hal-eyes-first-foreign-sale-of-tejas-as-malaysian-air-force-shortlists-contenders/322569/|url-status=live|access-date=15 January 2022|website=The Print|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104213333/https://theprint.in/defence/hal-eyes-first-foreign-sale-of-tejas-as-malaysian-air-force-shortlists-contenders/322569/}}</ref> The diplomatic skirmishes ceased in 2020, following [[2020–22 Malaysian political crisis|Mahathir's resignation as PM]] and the restitution of the Indo-Malaysian palm oil trade.<ref>{{cite web|last=Neo|first=Pearly|date=16 August 2020|title='Getting back to normal': Malaysia-India palm oil trade back on track due to better prices, food security needs|url=https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2020/08/16/Getting-back-to-normal-Malaysia-India-palm-oil-trade-back-on-track-due-to-better-prices-food-security-needs|url-status=live|access-date=15 January 2022|website=Food navigator-asia.com|archive-date=11 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811034755/https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2020/08/16/Getting-back-to-normal-Malaysia-India-palm-oil-trade-back-on-track-due-to-better-prices-food-security-needs}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Jadhav|first1=Rajendra|last2=Thukral|first2=Naveen|date=19 May 2020|title=Exclusive: India resumes purchases of Malaysian palm oil - traders|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-malaysia-palmoil-exclusive-idUSKBN22V0QM|url-status=live|access-date=15 January 2022|website=Reuters|archive-date=18 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118012729/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-malaysia-palmoil-exclusive-idUSKBN22V0QM}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=19 May 2020|title=India resumes purchases of Malaysian palm oil: Traders|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/india-resumes-purchases-of-malaysian-palm-oil-traders/articleshow/75821854.cms|url-status=live|access-date=15 January 2022|website=The Economic Times|archive-date=25 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825161250/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/india-resumes-purchases-of-malaysian-palm-oil-traders/articleshow/75821854.cms}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=27 March 2019|title=Malaysian PM interacts with HAL, IAF teams at LIMA '19|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/malaysian-pm-interacts-with-hal-iaf-teams-at-lima-1920190327231530/|url-status=live|access-date=15 January 2022|website=ANI News|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328202556/https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/malaysian-pm-interacts-with-hal-iaf-teams-at-lima-1920190327231530/}}</ref>

 

In 2021, an RMAF delegation reportedly visited HAL's manufacturing-facility at [[Bangalore]] to assess the suitability of the HAL Tejas, possibly in anticipation of a possible order — reaffirming Malaysia's interest in the aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dar|first=Younis|date=2021-04-07|title=Tejas Jets: Malaysia Gets Serious About LCA Tejas; To Visit India for Full Evaluation|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/tejas-jets-malaysia-gets-serious-about-lca-tejas-to-visit-india-for-full-evaluation/|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-15|website=The Eurasian Times|language=en-US|archive-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723104413/https://eurasiantimes.com/tejas-jets-malaysia-gets-serious-about-lca-tejas-to-visit-india-for-full-evaluation/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2019-01-09|title=Malaysia shows interest in India's Tejas fighter jets, may buy 30 of them|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/malaysia-shows-interest-in-india-s-tejas-fighter-jets-may-buy-30-of-them-119010900029_1.html|access-date=2022-01-15|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924185605/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/malaysia-shows-interest-in-india-s-tejas-fighter-jets-may-buy-30-of-them-119010900029_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

In June 2021, the RMAF formally released a tender for the supply of 18 light combat-aircraft - dubbed as the "Fighter Lead In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft" (FLIT/LCA), in an effort to supplant its ageing [[BAE Systems Hawk|BAE Hawk 108/208]] light-combat aircraft and its [[Aermacchi MB-339|MB-339CM]] trainers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mahadzir|first=Dzirhan|date=22 June 2021|title=Malaysia puts pen to paper for LCA tender|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/malaysia-puts-pen-paper-lca-tender/|url-status=live|access-date=13 January 2022|website=Shephard Media|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121738/https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/malaysia-puts-pen-paper-lca-tender/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2021-06-22|title=Malaysia to Formally Launch Fighter Lead In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT/LCA) Tender|url=https://militaryleak.com/2021/06/22/malaysia-to-formally-launch-fighter-lead-in-trainer-light-combat-aircraft-tender/|access-date=2022-01-13|website=MilitaryLeak|language=en-US|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121328/https://militaryleak.com/2021/06/22/malaysia-to-formally-launch-fighter-lead-in-trainer-light-combat-aircraft-tender/|url-status=live}}</ref> The RMAF later issued a [[Request for proposal|Request for Proposal]] (RFP) to nine different aircraft-manufacturing conglomerates in July, with a submission-deadline of September 2021 (this would later be extended to October 2021).<ref name="theedgemarkets.com">{{cite web|last1=Barrock|first1=Jose|date=18 October 2021|title=Six companies bidding for RMAF LCA contract|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/six-companies-bidding-rmaf-lca-contract|url-status=live|access-date=13 January 2022|website=The Edge Markets|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121306/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/six-companies-bidding-rmaf-lca-contract}}</ref>

In October 2021, the RMAF confirmed that the HAL — offering the HAL Tejas MK1A, had submitted its bid for the FLIT/LCA tender, along with five other international firms — [[Korea Aerospace Industries]] (KAI) (offering the [[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle|KAI FA-50]]), [[China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation]] (CATIC) (offering the [[Hongdu JL-10|HAIC L-15]]), [[Leonardo S.p.A.]] (offering the [[Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master|Aermacchi M-346]]), [[Turkish Aerospace Industries]] (offering the [[TAI Hürjet]]) and [[Rosoboronexport]] (offering the [[Mikoyan MiG-35]]).<ref name="theedgemarkets.com"/> Coincidentally, the [[PAC/CAC JF-17 Thunder|JF-17]] — which was reported to be a leading choice for the RMAF, had not participated in the FLIT/LCA tender.<ref>{{cite web|last=Venckunas|first=Valius|date=19 October 2021|title=Reports on Malaysian fighter jet tender: Tejas in, JF-17 out|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/29226-reports-on-malaysian-fighter-jet-tender-tejas-in-jf-17-out|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-15|website=Aerotime Hub|language=en|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213235805/https://www.aerotime.aero/29226-reports-on-malaysian-fighter-jet-tender-tejas-in-jf-17-out}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=19 October 2021|title=Six contenders for Royal Malaysian Air Force light combat aircraft tender|url=https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/october/7771-six-contenders-for-royal-malaysian-air-force-light-combat-aircraft-tender.html|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-15|website=Air Recognition|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111094630/https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/october/7771-six-contenders-for-royal-malaysian-air-force-light-combat-aircraft-tender.html}}</ref>

Later that year, HAL signed a [[Memorandum of understanding|Memorandum of Understanding]] (MoU) with [[MMTC Ltd]] — a public sector firm, as a channelizing partner to facilitate the import of [[palm oil]] as a counter-trade to any potential sale of the HAL Tejas to the RMAF; this arrangement was initiated to fulfill a mandatory requirement of the RMAF — which stipulates that 50% of the total cost of the FLIT/LCA tender must be paid the winning contender through means of [[Barter|barter trade]].<ref name=":39" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Parkaran|first=K.|date=16 July 2021|title=Mandatory for 50% of aircraft deal to be in palm oil barter|work=Free Malaysia Today|url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/07/16/mandatory-for-50-of-aircraft-deal-to-be-in-palm-oil-barter/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=H_32W8oPB0_rLeIXL2m1oz6lZ311ow5GHyCwKBoXTDg-1642256048-0-gaNycGzNCGU|access-date=15 January 2022|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115143512/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/07/16/mandatory-for-50-of-aircraft-deal-to-be-in-palm-oil-barter/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=H_32W8oPB0_rLeIXL2m1oz6lZ311ow5GHyCwKBoXTDg-1642256048-0-gaNycGzNCGU|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Dalal|first=Pazdin|date=7 September 2021|title=MMTC to buy Palm Oil for LCA-Tejas barter deal with Malaysia: HAL|url=https://iadnews.in/2021/09/07/mmtc-to-buy-palm-oil-for-lca-tejas-barter-deal-with-malaysia-hal/|url-status=live|access-date=15 January 2022|website=Indian Aerospace Defence News|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106120721/https://iadnews.in/2021/09/07/mmtc-to-buy-palm-oil-for-lca-tejas-barter-deal-with-malaysia-hal/}}</ref> HAL also signed another MOU with [[Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation]] (BHIC) — a major Malaysia-based defense contractor, to fulfill another mandatory condition of the RMAF — stipulating that the winning contender must locally procure at least 30% of products or services from Malaysian companies in the deal; the HAL-BHIC [[joint venture]] would offer a provision of "Depot Level Maintenance" i.e. providing reliability, availability, maintainability and supportability (RAMS) to the RMAF, should HAL win the FLIT/LCA tender.<ref>{{cite web|last=Socka|first=Sherman|date=1 December 2021|title=LETTER &#124; RMAF purchase of Light Combat Aircraft to bolster defence industry|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/601324|url-status=live|access-date=15 January 2022|website=Malaysiakini|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110121301/https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/601324}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2 December 2021|title=LCA tender in Malaysia, new government requirement benefits HAL Tejas|url=https://www.blogbeforeflight.net/2021/12/malaysia-lca-tender-hal-tejas.html|url-status=live|access-date=15 January 2022|website=Blog Before Flight|archive-date=2 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202100027/https://www.blogbeforeflight.net/2021/12/malaysia-lca-tender-hal-tejas.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=9 December 2021|title=HAL Tejas now has more chances than ever to win Malaysian LCA tender: Report|url=http://frontiervedette.com/hal-tejas-has-now-more-chances-than-ever-to-win-malaysian-lca-tender-report/|url-status=live|access-date=15 January 2022|website=The Frontier Vedette|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115143526/http://frontiervedette.com/hal-tejas-has-now-more-chances-than-ever-to-win-malaysian-lca-tender-report/}}</ref>

 

 

Given the nature of the Argentine-specific sanctions, the HAL Tejas would essentially be subject to UK-scrutiny, since it utilizes the British-origin [[Martin-Baker|MK16 IN16 GS Tejas ejection seat]] manufactured by [[Martin-Baker]], along with other British-origin components — including an [[Aerial refueling|aerial-refueling probe]] and a quartz radome, both supplied by [[Cobham (company)|Cobham Limited]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Banerjee|first=Aritra|date=21 September 2021|title=Did Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder Beat Indian HAL Tejas To Win Argentine Fighter Jet Contract?|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/did-pakistans-jf-17-thunder-beat-indian-hal-tejas-to-win-argentine-fighter-jet-contract/|url-status=live|access-date=13 January 2022|website=The Eurasian Times|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120073934/https://eurasiantimes.com/did-pakistans-jf-17-thunder-beat-indian-hal-tejas-to-win-argentine-fighter-jet-contract/}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> Nevertheless, HAL has reportedly offered a customised-variant of the HAL Tejas to the FAA, which includes a retrofit of about 50-specific components and the substitution of all major British-origin components — including the ejection seat and the aerial-refueling probe, with diplomatically suitable alternatives; however, any customisation to the HAL Tejas would encompass considerable changes to the aircraft's design and additional flight certification.<ref>{{cite web|date=18 November 2021|title=India ofrece sus aviones LCA Tejas Mk1A a Argentina con la posibilidad de reemplazar componentes|url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2021/11/18/india-ofrece-sus-aviones-lca-tejas-mk1a-a-argentina-con-la-posibilidad-de-reemplazar-componentes/|url-status=live|access-date=13 January 2022|website=Zonamilitar|archive-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120033148/https://www.zona-militar.com/2021/11/18/india-ofrece-sus-aviones-lca-tejas-mk1a-a-argentina-con-la-posibilidad-de-reemplazar-componentes/}}</ref>

On September 21, 2022, there was an indication that the Argentine Air Force was willing to look at the JF-17 because of concerns that the time and money required to modify the Tejas to remove non-British parts was beyond what Buenos Aires wass willing to spend.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/09/21/argentina-eyes-664-million-for-fighter-jets/ |title=Argentina eyes $664 million for fighter jets |publisher=Defensenews.com |date= |accessdate=2022-09-24}}</ref>

In December 2022, the Argentine government decided to abandon the decision to acquire new fighter aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|last=Venckunas|first=Valius|date=2022-12-09|title=Fact Check: Does India’s Tejas really have seven potential customers?|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/neither-jf-17-nor-tejas-argentina-stops-fighter-jet-tender|url-status=live|access-date=2022-12-20|website=aerotime.aero}}</ref> With President [[Alberto Fernandez]] stating in an interview that “Argentina has to allocate its resources to more important things than the purchase of military aircraft. We are in a very unequal continent, but there are no war problems and unity among countries is sought."<ref>{{cite web|last=Venckunas|first=Valius|date=2022-12-09|title=Argentina abandons plans to acquire new fighter jets|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/neither-jf-17-nor-tejas-argentina-stops-fighter-jet-tender|url-status=live|access-date=2022-12-20|website=aerotime.aero}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Defence|first=Meta|date=2022-12-09|title=Neither JF-17 nor Tejas: Argentina stops fighter jet tender|url=https://meta-defense.fr/en/2022/12/09/argentina-abandons-plans-to-acquire-new-fighter-jets/|url-status=live|access-date=2022-12-20|website=Meta-Defence}}</ref>

However, the Australian Government rejected a government to government deal proposed by the Indian government for 35 Tejas LIFT aircraft for US $1 billion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kadam|first=Tanmay|date=2022-07-04|title=Setback For India’s Tejas Program? Australia Rejects G2G Tejas-LIFT Trainer Deal Amid Stiff Contest From Boeing & Saab — Reports|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/setback-for-indias-tejas-program-australia-rejects-tejas-lift-trainer-deal/|url-status=live|access-date=2022-12-19|website=The Eurasian Times|language=en-US}}</ref> During bilateral defence talks held in September 2021, ''[[The Indian Express]]'' reported Australia's lack of interest in the offer.<ref>{{cite web|last=Faridi|first=Shahid|date=2022-07-06|title=Power games: Australia may not accept India’s G2G trainer deal|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/jul/04/power-games-australia-may-not-accept-indias-g2g-trainer-deal-2472677.amp|url-status=live|access-date=2022-12-19|website=The Indian Express}}</ref>

In February 2022, the Australian government decided to take up a proposal by BAE to upgrade and refurbish its Hawks with new engines and avionics, extending their lifespan until 2032.<ref>{{cite web|last=Venckunas|first=Valius|date=2022-08-10|title=Fact Check: Does India’s Tejas really have seven potential customers?|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/31856-fact-check-are-seven-countries-interested-in-buying-tejas|url-status=live|access-date=2022-12-19|website=aerotime.aero}}</ref>

* '''LSP-4''' (KH2014) – June 2010. The first aircraft that was flown in the (Mark 1) configuration that will be delivered to the [[Indian Air Force]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-12-01|title=Tejas test-fires missile successfully |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Tejas-test-fires-missile-successfully/article15575578.ece|access-date=2021-10-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020170215/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Tejas-test-fires-missile-successfully/article15575578.ece|archive-date=20 October 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The aircraft flew with the Hybrid MMR, a [[Countermeasure]] Dispensing System, and an [[identification friend or foe|identify friend or foe]] electronic system.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|date=2010-06-05|title=Tejas boosts test programme|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/tejas-boosts-test-programme-110060500045_1.html|access-date=2021-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614021628/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/tejas-boosts-test-programme-110060500045_1.html|archive-date=14 June 2022}}</ref>

*'''Tejas Mark 1A'''&nbsp;- an enhanced Tejas Mark 1 equipped with [[EL/M-2052]] and [[Uttam AESA]] radar, [[Radar jamming and deception|self-protection jammer]], radar warning receiver, as well as being able to mount an external [[Electronic countermeasure|ECM]] pod.<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-03-18|title=Advanced version of Tejas light combat aircraft makes its debut flight|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/advanced-version-of-lca-tejas-makes-its-debut-flight/story-eJx0pJ6hba3tCvZdNyYz4M.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430205442/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/advanced-version-of-lca-tejas-makes-its-debut-flight/story-eJx0pJ6hba3tCvZdNyYz4M.html|archive-date=30 April 2021|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto3" /> The first Limited Series Production (LSP) aircraft of the Mark.1A variant is expected to be rolled out by end of May 2022, and meant to be used as a Flying Testbed (FTB). A second LSP is expected later in 2022, and shall be used to validate design changes meant to make the Mark.1A variant lighter than the Mark.1, and to optimize weight distribution.

* '''[[HAL Tejas Mk2|Tejas Mark 2]]'''&nbsp;- or Medium Weight Fighter, is an enhanced Tejas Mark 1 design which is expected to have a more powerful engine and an increased payload carrying capacity.<ref name=":5">{{cite web|date=31 January 2021|title=Tejas Mark II to roll out next year; high-speed trials in 2023: HAL Chief Madhavan|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tejas-mark-ii-to-roll-out-next-year-high-speed-trials-in-2023-hal-chief-madhavan/article33708634.ece|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727153922/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tejas-mark-ii-to-roll-out-next-year-high-speed-trials-in-2023-hal-chief-madhavan/article33708634.ece|archive-date=27 July 2021|access-date=17 July 2021|work=The Hindu|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The Tejas Mark 2 will feature an AESA radar, an on-board oxygen generation system and a built-in electronic warfare suite among other improvements to avionics.<ref name="The Economic Times">{{cite news|date=11 July 2018|title=Tejas Mk-II: India may avail consultancy from European manufacturers who bid for MMRCA deal|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/tejas-mk-ii-india-may-avail-consultancy-from-european-manufacturers-who-bid-for-mmrca-deal/articleshow/48347892.cms|access-date=21 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328024416/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/tejas-mk-ii-india-may-avail-consultancy-from-european-manufacturers-who-bid-for-mmrca-deal/articleshow/48347892.cms|archive-date=28 March 2022}}</ref> In January 2019, Air Chief Marshal [[Birender Singh Dhanoa]] said that the IAF has committed to procure twelve squadrons of Tejas Mark 2 aircraft.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Peri|first1=Dinakar|date=31 January 2019|title=IAF chief flags delays in manufacture of equipment|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-chief-flags-delays-in-manufacture-of-equipment/article26142246.ece|access-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108032120/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-chief-flags-delays-in-manufacture-of-equipment/article26142246.ece|archive-date=8 November 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

|ref=tejas.gov.in,<ref name="lca-tejas1">[http://tejas.gov.in/specifications/leading_particulars_and_performance.html "Leading particulars and performance."] tejas.gov.in. Retrieved 19 December 2017. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221014017/http://tejas.gov.in/specifications/leading_particulars_and_performance.html |date=21 December 2022}}</ref> DRDO Techfocus,<ref name="DRDO Techfocus">[http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2011/feb%202011%20.pdf "DRDO TechFocus."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322031428/http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/pub/techfocus/2011/feb%202011%20.pdf |date=22 March 2022}} ''DRDO'', February 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2012.</ref> Jane's All the World's Aircraft,<ref name="jawa-1617"/>

|combat range note=with internal fuel<ref name="fg-2013">{{cite news |title=Pictures: India's Tejas receives initial operational clearance |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-indias-tejas-receives-initial-operational-clearance-394420/|agency=FlightGlobal.com |date=26 December 2013 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113929/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-indias-tejas-receives-initial-operational-clearance-394420/|archive-date=13 November 2022}}</ref>

**[[Bharat Dynamics Limited|BDL]] [[Chaff (countermeasure)|Chaff]]/[[Flare (countermeasure)|Flare]] Counter Measure Dispensing System (CMDS)<ref>{{cite news |title=LCA Tejas successfully testfires Chaff, Flares |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2010/dec/03/lca-tejas-successfully-testfires-chaff-flares-207807.html |access-date=6 July 2022 |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=3 December 2022}}</ref>  

**[[Defence Avionics Research Establishment|DARE]] [[Targeting pod]] (Tejas Mk.1 FOC)<ref>{{cite news |title=Tejas fighter to get indigenous Laser Designator Pod to target the enemy |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/tejas-fighter-to-get-indigenous-laser-designator-pod-to-target-the-enemy-2172996.html |access-date=6 July 2022 |publisher=Zee News |date=22 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=EXCLUSIVE: How A Secretive DRDO Lab Is Saving The IAF Su-30MKI |url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/how-a-secretive-drdo-lab-is-saving-the-iaf-su-30mki/ |access-date=6 July 2022 |publisher=Livefist |date=16 February 2022}}</ref>

*DARE-[[Elisra]] Mayawi self protection suite (Tejas Mk.1)<ref name="vayu-sepoct14">{{cite magazine |last=Majumdar |first=Sayan |title=Tejas Redux: The Israeli Touch |magazine=Vayu Aerospace and Defence Review |date=September–October 2014 |issue=5 |pages=82–84 |publisher=Society for Aerospace Studies}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Withington |first1=Thomas |title=Enhancing the Force |url=https://www.armadainternational.com/2020/01/enhancing-the-force/ |access-date=7 July 2022 |publisher=Armada International |date=22 January 2022}}</ref>