Why Tejas Fails Despite Its Numerous Advantages

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is investing heavily in the development and inducting the Tejas Mk1a combat aircraft. Despite its numerous advantages and significant improvements over previous iterations, why is it not being inducted in mass? This article explores the reasons behind this situation and highlights the challenges faced in the process of inducting the Tejas Mk1a into the IAF.

Introduction to Tejas Mk1a

The Indian Air Force has just placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk1a aircraft, valued at Rs 45,000 crore. This order comes after years of negotiations, with the initial quotation being around Rs 50,000 crore. After further discussions, the final price settled at Rs 39,000 crore. The Tejas Mk1a boasts an impressive array of upgrades that encompass advanced radar, improved avionics, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and better overall maintainability.

Main Features of Tejas Mk1a

ELM2052 AESA Radar from Israel

Uttam AESA Radar indigenously built for Tejas Mk2

Mid-air refuelling capability

Enhanced avionics for better performance

Electronic warfare capabilities, including an external Self Protection Jammer (SPJ) pod for enhanced survivability

Easier maintenance and reduced weight

On-board oxygen generation

Ability to fire Various beyond-visual-range (BVR) and close-combat air-to-air missiles, including R-73 CCMs, R-77 Israeli Derby, Python5, and India's Astra BVRAAM

The aim is to have a total of 324 Tejas, spread across approximately 16 squadrons. Currently, 40 Tejas Mk1 are inducted, and an additional 83 Mk1A are scheduled for induction. The Mk2 version, which is larger, has a longer range, and increased payload capability, is being developed.

Induction Challenges

The Tejas Mk1a is technically inducted into the IAF as part of the No. 45 Flying Daggers Squadron. However, despite this, it has not been accepted by the IAF due to performance shortcomings. In 2019, it failed to meet the 53 Air Staff Requirements (ASR). Even if the Mk2 version overcomes these issues, it might still not be worthwhile to induct Tejas at this point.

Cost Concerns and Relevance

The cost of Tejas, especially the Mk2 version, is expected to be significantly higher than other advanced fighters like the Rafale or Typhoon. While the argument might be made that these investments have taught India valuable lessons, the reality is stark: most of the critical systems, including the radar, engines, and electronic warfare suites, are still imported. By the time these fighters are operational, they will be obsolete.

Moreover, the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has a reputation for attempting to develop everything from toilets to advanced military technologies, but without the necessary expertise or financial resources. This often results in delays and suboptimal solutions. The sooner the focus shifts to leveraging the private sector for smaller, more manageable systems, the better India will be positioned to develop a truly indigenous, modern fighter jet.

The Role of DRDO and Private Sector

The DRDO has a history of attempting ambitious projects with limited success, often due to a lack of core competencies and financial resources. While it is important to push for indigenous development, the incremental approach is crucial. Private sector involvement can provide the necessary expertise and flexibility to rapidly innovate and improve on existing technologies.

Steps Forward

Encourage private sector involvement in developing individual components and subsystems of fighter jets

Focus on incremental improvements rather than large, ambitious projects that may fail to deliver

Invest in research and development, but ensure that there is a clear path to implementation and market acceptance

By addressing these challenges and focusing on practical, incremental steps, India can move closer to developing a truly modern, indigenous fighter jet that meets its stringent requirements.

Conclusion

While the Tejas Mk1a offers numerous advantages, the challenges in its inductation are multi-faceted. Cost, technological dependency, and the limitations of the DRDO present significant obstacles. By exploring a more collaborative approach with the private sector and focusing on practical, incremental improvements, India can overcome these challenges and achieve its goal of a modern, indigenous fighter jet.