The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS MK-1A is undergoing a decisive phase of weapon firing and avionics integration trials this September 2025, marking the most critical step before induction of the upgraded variant into the Indian Air Force (IAF). according to a report by News18.

These trials are focused on demonstrating the seamless integration of advanced weapon systems with the Israeli Elta ELM‑2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and its compatible fire‑control software, both of which form the technological backbone of the TEJAS MK-1A upgrade.

A central part of the validation involves live firing of the British‑origin ASRAAM short‑range missile, the indigenous Astra BVR missile, and precision laser‑guided bombs, ensuring the fighter can effectively handle both close‑combat and stand‑off scenarios.

In particular, Astra integration is of strategic significance, as it will give the MK-1A an indigenous edge in beyond‑visual‑range engagements while reducing reliance on imported missiles. These weapons are being aligned with radar tracking and electronic fire‑control protocols to validate flawless detection‑to‑engagement cycles in air defence and strike roles.

The current series of trials, being conducted at designated ranges with HAL and IAF test crews, serve as qualification runs to remove earlier glitches encountered in software‑hardware synchronisation during missile separation and radar cueing tasks.

Previous attempts required modifications in weapon release algorithms and radar fire‑control loops, underscoring the complexity of integrating both foreign and indigenous subsystems into the Tejas platform.

This month’s campaign is intended to definitively close those gaps by showcasing safe separation, correct mid‑course guidance, terminal lock, and target destruction across multiple weapon classes.

The successful demonstration of this weapon envelope is directly tied to HAL’s promise of delivering the first two MK-1A fighters to the IAF by October 2025, beginning formal induction under the 83‑aircraft contract signed in 2021.

Any lingering anomalies in software response, radar‑missile handshake, or aircraft handling post‑weapon release could delay handover, making these trials a critical bottleneck for the production‑delivery schedule.

HAL test engineers are conducting parallel software fine‑tuning to compress timelines and ensure modifications, if needed, do not derail October deliveries.

For the IAF, induction readiness of the MK-1A is a major capability booster, since it unlocks the operational deployment of a modern AESA‑equipped native fighter armed with up‑to‑date air‑combat and strike ordnance.

The aircraft’s avionics suite, coupled with ASRAAM quick‑reaction agility, Astra’s beyond‑range interception ability, and precision bombing capability, will significantly widen tactical options for frontline squadrons.

Provided trials conclude as planned this September, the TEJAS MK-1A will enter service on schedule, bridging force gaps and instilling confidence in India’s capacity for indigenous fighter production and advanced systems integration.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)