India's indigenous fighter jet, the Tejas-Mk1A, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is set to be delivered starting in October 2025. This 4.5 generation multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's capabilities. But how does this jet stand against China’s J-10C and Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder?
The might of Tejas-Mk1A: Specifications
The Tejas-Mk1A is an advanced iteration of the Tejas Mk1, with over 40 enhancements introduced. It is notably light, weighing 6,500 kg empty, which enhances its agility. Its GE F404-IN20 engine delivers a thrust of 90 kN, allowing it to reach speeds up to Mach 1.8 (2,220 km/h).
Source: aajtak
It is equipped with the EL/M-2052 AESA radar, capable of tracking targets 200 km away. The jet’s range is 500 km, and it can carry a payload of 5,300 kg.
Armaments:
Astra Mk1/Mk2 (BVR missiles, 110 km range), ASRAAM (short-range), Derby, ASRAAM, and laser-guided bombs and rockets. The electronic warfare (EW) suite, chaff/flare, and mission computer are domestically produced. It supports weapons on 9 hardpoints. The first two jets will be delivered to the IAF in October, with a total of 83 jets by 2029.
Comparing with Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder
The JF-17 Thunder, a 4th generation jet by Pakistan and China, serves as an alternative to the F-16. It has a weight of 7,900 kg, a range of 1,200 km, and a thrust of 84 kN. Its KLJ-7A AESA radar has a range of 170 km, yet the Tejas’s EL/M-2052 is more advanced. The JF-17 can reach speeds of Mach 1.6, whereas Tejas can achieve Mach 1.8.
Source: aajtak
Armaments:
PL-15 (145 km), PL-10; however, the Tejas with Astra Mk2 (110 km) and ASRAAM outperforms in BVR capability. JF-17 has a payload of 3,600 kg compared to Tejas’s 5,300 kg. The Tejas has a smaller radar cross-section (RCS) of 0.5 m², compared to the 1 m² of the JF-17, giving it a stealth advantage. In terms of thrust-to-weight ratio, the Tejas (1.07) surpasses the JF-17 (0.95). Overall, the Tejas-Mk1A excels in agility, advanced weaponry, and range over the JF-17.
Comparing with China's J-10C
The J-10C by China is a 4.5 generation jet, competing with the F-16. It weighs 9,750 kg, offers a range of 1,100 km, and provides a thrust of 140 kN. It achieves speeds of Mach 2.1 with the WS-10B engine. Its AESA radar has a range of 170 km, but the radar of the Tejas is more precise. The J-10C can carry a payload of 6,000 kg, yet the lighter Tejas offers superior agility.
Source: aajtak
Armaments:
PL-15 (200 km), PL-10; though Tejas matches with Astra and Derby. The J-10C’s RCS is 1 m², while Tejas has 0.5 m². Although the thrust-to-weight ratio is slightly in favor of the J-10C (1.1), the Tejas excels in maneuverability. While J-10C has long-range advantages, the Tejas, equipped with an agile EW suite, advantages close combat engagements.
