Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to begin deliveries of the indigenous Tejas-Mk1A fighter jet in October 2025. This 4.5-generation Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) will bolster the Indian Air Force (IAF)'s capabilities. Can this aircraft outperform China's J-10C and Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder?
Tejas-Mk1A Power: Specifications
The Tejas-Mk1A is an advanced version of the Tejas Mk1, boasting over 40 improvements. Its lightweight design (6,500 kg empty) enhances agility. The GE F404-IN20 engine delivers 90 kN thrust, propelling it to speeds up to Mach 1.8 (2,220 km/h).
Equipped with an EL/M-2052 AESA radar, it can detect targets over 200 km away. It has a 500 km operational range and supports a payload of 5,300 kg.
Source: aajtak
Armament:
Astra Mk1/Mk2 (BVR missile, 110 km range), ASRAAM (short range), Derby, ASRAAM, laser-guided bombs, and rockets. Indigenous features include an EW suite, chaff/flare systems, and a mission computer. It can carry armaments across 9 hardpoints. The first two jets will be delivered to the IAF in October, with 83 jets expected by 2029.
Comparison with Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder
The JF-17 Thunder, a Pakistan-China collaboration, is a 4th-generation jet alternative to the F-16. It weighs 7,900 kg, with a 1,200 km range and 84 kN thrust. Its KLJ-7A AESA radar has a 170 km range, yet the Tejas' EL/M-2052 is more sophisticated. JF-17 maintains a speed of Mach 1.6, whereas Tejas reaches Mach 1.8.
Source: aajtak
Armament:
PL-15 (145 km), PL-10, but Tejas outmatches it with Astra Mk2 (110 km) and ASRAAM for BVR engagements. The JF-17 carries a 3,600 kg payload compared to Tejas' 5,300 kg. With an RCS (radar cross-section) of 0.5 m², Tejas enhances its stealth, superior to JF-17's 1 m². In thrust-to-weight ratio, Tejas (1.07) bests JF-17 (0.95), making it more nimble, weapon-ready, and range-efficient.
Comparison with China’s J-10C
The J-10C is China's 4.5-generation contender against the F-16. Weighing 9,750 kg, it offers a 1,100 km range and a 140 kN thrust. Powered by the WS-10B engine, it reaches Mach 2.1. Although its AESA radar has a 170 km range, Tejas’ radar offers higher precision. The J-10C boasts a 6,000 kg payload, but Tejas remains agile due to its lightweight.
Source: aajtak
Armament:
PL-15 (200 km), PL-10, yet Tejas can match it with Astra and Derby. The J-10C's RCS is 1 m² compared to Tejas' 0.5 m², giving Tejas a stealth advantage. While J-10C leads slightly in thrust-to-weight (1.1), Tejas’ superior maneuverability and EW suite, alongside its lightweight design, excel in close combat.
