The Tejas MK1A is an indigenously developed, 4.5-generation, single-engine, multirole light combat aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is the most advanced version of the Tejas family and is designed to replace the IAF's aging fleets of aircraft like the MiG-21. 

Key features

• Advanced Avionics: The MK1A has an updated avionics suite that includes an advanced mission computer and modern glass cockpit displays. This is augmented by a Heads-Up Display (HUD), Smart Multi-function Displays (SMFDs), and a Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) for better situational awareness.
• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar: It features either the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar or the indigenously developed UTTAM AESA radar. This provides superior target tracking and jamming resistance.
• Enhanced Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite: An upgraded EW system, including a self-protection jammer pod, improves the aircraft's survivability in hostile environments by detecting and disrupting enemy radar and communication.
• Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS): An indigenous OBOGS replaces the earlier liquid oxygen system, enhancing pilot endurance for longer missions.
• In-Flight Refueling (IFR): The aircraft is equipped with a refueling probe to extend its operational range and endurance.
• Indigenous Content: The MK1A variant boasts a higher indigenous content, with over 64% indigenous parts and additional domestic items compared to the original MK1. 

Armaments

The Tejas MK1A features nine hardpoints and can carry a wide array of precision-guided and unguided munitions for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship roles. 
Air-to-air missiles

• Beyond Visual Range (BVR): Astra Mk-1, Astra Mk-2 (future integration), I-Derby ER, and the Meteor missile (future batches).
• Within Visual Range (WVR): ASRAAM, R-73, and Python-5. 

Air-to-ground weapons

• Precision-Guided Munitions: JDAM-ER, Griffin laser-guided bombs, and AASM Hammer modular glide bombs.
• Anti-Radiation Missiles: Rudram-1 and Rudram-2. 

Other armaments

• Internal Cannon: A GSh-23 twin-barrel 23mm autocannon is mounted beneath the starboard air intake. 

 
Comparison with rival aircraft
 

Feature	Tejas MK1A (India)	JF-17 Block III (Pakistan/China)	F-16 Block 70/72 (USA)
Generation	4.5	4.5	4.5
Radar	Israeli EL/M-2052 or indigenous UTTAM AESA	Chinese KLJ-7A AESA	AN/APG-83 SABR AESA
Engine	1 x GE F404-IN20 (85 kN thrust)	1 x RD-93MA (84.4 kN thrust)	1 x GE F110 (129 kN thrust)
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	1.07	1.03	Highest in class
Max Speed	Mach 1.8	Mach 1.6-1.8	Mach 2.0+
Max Payload	~5,300 kg	3,700 kg	~7,700 kg
Range	~3,000 km	~3,482 km	~4,220 km
Electronic Warfare	Advanced indigenous suite	Relies on foreign subsystems	Advanced EW systems
Cost	~$40 million	~$25 million	~$50-60 million

Note: While the JF-17 is cheaper, the Tejas is often considered superior in its avionics and electronic warfare capabilities, offering better agility with a higher thrust-to-weight ratio. The F-16 remains a benchmark, with better speed, range, and payload, but the Tejas MK1A is a more modern design than most of Pakistan's F-16 fleet.

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