HAL Tejas

The indigenous light fighter built to modernize India’s combat fleet.

Overview

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited India 2001–Present $64 million (2020)

The HAL Tejas is a light multirole fighter developed in India. Entering service in the 2010s, it represents a major domestic aerospace effort. The aircraft replaces older fighters in Indian Air Force service.

Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × General Electric F404-GE-IN20
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
20,200 lbf · 90 kN
Avionics
NVG & HUD by CSIO and SSDU & ADC by Bharat Electronics Limited
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
43 ft 4 in  ·  13.20 m
Tail height
14 ft 5 in  ·  4.40 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 3 in  ·  1.00 m
Wing span
26 ft 11 in  ·  8.20 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
29,800 lb  ·  13,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
11,700 lb  ·  5,300 kg
Fuel capacity
1,620 gal · 6,100 L · 4,900 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,066 kt  ·  1,227 mph  ·  1,974 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,726 nm  ·  1,990 mi  ·  3,200 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
50,000 ft  ·  15,200 m
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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HAL Tejas

Operational Context

HAL Tejas — lightweight multirole fighter

The Tejas first flew in 2001 and entered service in 2016. It features a delta wing design and advanced composite construction. The aircraft incorporates modern avionics and fly-by-wire flight controls.

Powered by a General Electric F404 turbofan engine producing approximately 19,000 pounds of thrust (84.5 kN) with afterburner, the Tejas exceeds Mach 1.6. Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 29,000 pounds (13,154 kg). The aircraft carries air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons on multiple hardpoints.

The Tejas represents a significant milestone for India’s aerospace industry. Ongoing upgrades aim to enhance radar and weapons capability. The aircraft continues to expand its role within the Indian Air Force.

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