HAL Tejas Mk1A / Mk2

Tejas is HAL's lightweight fighter (single-engine GE F404, Mach 1.8, combat radius 500 km). The Mk1A has the EL/M-2052 AESA radar (Israeli Elta), a new EW suite, and Astra-I BVR missile integration. The Mk2 is a larger variant with more payload and Rafale-class features (in development). Tejas had a long development period (program since 1983 with IOC only in 2015) but is now reaching maturity with 40+ in service and new orders for 83+. First export sale: Argentina (interest), Malaysia (lost to FA-50 in late 2022, but India offered an improved bid when Malaysia did not meet FA-50 payment), Egypt (interest in 2024). Unit price: ~USD 45 million.