Singapore Airshow 2022: India positions Tejas as most competitively priced light combat aircraft in market

The Tejas Mk1 at the Singapore Airshow 2022. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is showcasing its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in Singapore for the first time as part of efforts to position the platform for requirements in the region.

The service has deployed three airframes to the country as part of the aircraft's debut at Singapore Airshow 2022, which runs from 15 to 18 February. One of the airframes took part in a static display alongside a delegation of Indian government officials who were there to explain the various features of the LCA.

Speaking to Janes at the show, Tejas LCA pilot Group Captain Manish Tolani described the Tejas as a “4.5 Generation” fighter aircraft with proven capabilities across various climatic conditions, including the hot and humid weather across Southeast Asia.

“India has one of the most diverse climate conditions in the world,” said Gp Capt Tolani, in reference to the contrast between the relatively arid climate of the subcontinent's northern regions and the southern regions' tropical weather. “Given that the Tejas can perform in these climates prove that it will also be able to undertake missions in this part of the world,” he added.

According to information provided by the IAF at Singapore Airshow 2022, the Tejas LCA first began active service in 2016. The aircraft has a length of 13.4 m, with a wingspan of 8.2 m, and a height of 4.4 m. It has an all-up weight of 13,300 kg and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet.

The Tejas LCA is powered by a General Electric F404-GE-IN20 engine and can carry a maximum payload of 3,500 kg.