In defence of the Tejas

Countering increased criticism of capability of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, a government spokesman has commented, “The production of Tejas Mk-1A will begin in 2019. Most of the 43 improvements have already been made and the tender process to install an Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Self-Protection Jammer is underway. A refuelling probe would also be added to increase range”.While the design cannot be changed and endurance improved as it is powered by the GE-404 engine, the enhancements will increase the capability of the aircraft, the spokesman added. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was undertaking the enhancements and was in the process of setting up another assembly line to increase production rate from the present eight to 16 annually. The second line would be ready by 2019 when the Mk.1A goes into production.