Tejas Mk1A Vs Mk2: Top 7 Differences You Must Know

Published: Friday, August 22, 2025, 10:34 [IST]

India's indigenous fighter program has come a long way with the LCA Tejas. While the Tejas Mk1A is already in production and induction-ready, the Tejas Mk2 is designed as a more advanced model that is a medium-weight fighter. So here's a breakdown of the major differences between the two.

1. Size and Weight Class

Tejas Mk1A: Falls in the light-weight fighter category with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of around 13.5tons.

Tejas Mk2: A medium-weight fighter with an MTOW of 17.5tons, giving it improved payload and fuel capacity.

2. Engine Power

Mk1A: Powered by the GE F404-IN20 engine, generating about 84kN thrust.

Mk2: Upgraded to the GE F414 engine, delivering around 98kN thrust, enabling faster acceleration, higher top speed, and heavier weapons load.

3. Range and Endurance

Mk1A: Combat radius of around 500 km with standard payload.

Mk2: Extended combat radius of 1,000 km, thanks to larger internal fuel capacity and ability to carry external fuel tanks.

4. Avionics and Cockpit

Mk1A: Features modern avionics, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and a glass cockpit.

Mk2: More advanced with a larger cockpit, wide-area display, better electronic warfare suite, and futuristic avionics architecture.

5. Weapons Capacity

Mk1A: Can carry 3.5tons of weapons across 7 hardpoints.

Mk2: Supports 6.5tons of weapons on 11 hardpoints, including long-range missiles, precision-guided munitions, and standoff weapons.

6. Role and Mission Profile

Mk1A: Primarily a multi-role light fighter, suited for air defense, interception, and ground-attack roles.

Mk2: Designed as a true medium multi-role fighter, capable of deep strike missions, anti-ship warfare, and advanced air superiority roles.

7. Operational Status

Mk1A: Already ordered by the Indian Air Force, with 83 units on contract and production underway.

Mk2: Currently under development, with first flight expected by 2026-27, and induction planned for the early 2030s.

DriveSpark Thinks

Unlike most countries, India's neighboring countries are heavily armed and sometimes very hostile in nature. As such, it is better to invest in a more advanced and a more capable aircraft rather than going for a older unit.