Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is planning to increase the use of Indian-made systems in the second batch of Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. Nearly 40 systems that were previously sourced from overseas are expected to be replaced with locally developed alternatives.
The move is aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and increasing the domestic content of the aircraft.
Indigenous Radar to Replace Imported System
One of the major changes will be the introduction of the Uttam AESA fire-control radar developed in India.
It is expected to replace the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar used on the first batch of Tejas Mk1A aircraft. The aircraft will also receive the indigenous Swayam Raksha Kavach or Unified Electronic Warfare Suite in place of the imported Elta ELL-8222WB self-protection jammer pod.
More Indian Components Planned
Several imported Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) are also expected to be replaced with systems developed by Indian companies.
These locally produced components are currently undergoing final certification. Once approved, they can enter production and are expected to be used in the second batch of Tejas Mk1A aircraft.
Production of this batch is expected to begin around the end of 2028 or early 2029.
Tejas Mk1A to Have Higher Local Content
HAL received an order in 2025 for 97 Tejas aircraft, including single-seat and twin-seat versions. The aircraft are expected to have more than 64 percent indigenous content.
The newer order also includes 67 additional Indian-made items compared with the original 2021 contract. Around 105 Indian companies are expected to contribute components to the programme.
The aircraft is also planned to carry French-made Meteor air-to-air missiles, adding a long-range weapon capability to the Tejas Mk1A.
Focus on Local LRUs
Each Tejas aircraft has hundreds of LRUs, which are electronic and avionics units designed to be removed and replaced relatively quickly during maintenance.
Earlier versions of the aircraft included a significant number of imported LRUs. Out of 344 LRUs, 134 were sourced from 49 foreign companies, partly because smaller production numbers made imports more economical.
As aircraft orders increase, more of these components are being developed and manufactured within India.
Indigenous Parts Can Reduce Supply Risks
Reducing dependence on overseas suppliers can help address issues such as longer delivery times, spare parts availability, export approvals and technology restrictions.
Producing LRUs domestically could give HAL and the Indian Air Force greater control over maintenance requirements and reduce the risk of foreign supply disruptions.
Local Components Could Support Faster Production
Increasing the number of Indian-made systems could also help HAL expand aircraft production.
Imported components can sometimes become supply bottlenecks when production volumes increase. A stronger domestic supplier network can help maintain local inventories and respond more quickly to manufacturing and maintenance requirements.
The changes will not make the Tejas Mk1A completely indigenous, but the increased use of Indian-developed systems represents a further move towards reducing foreign content in the fighter aircraft.
