Tejas Mk1A weapons package expansion: Astra Mk1, ASRAAM, SCALP, Rudram-1, Rudram-2 & Brahmos-NG

Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)

An Artistic CGI by Harshal Pal

The Indian Air Force will receive the first lot of Tejas Mark 1A aircraft in March 2024 but some of the weapons cleared for integration are still pending trials that include the indigenous Astra Mark 1 and MBDA-developed ASRAAM close combat missile.

As per the latest information, the Tejas Mark 1A Testbed will conduct firing trials of the 110 kilometers range Astra Mark 1 and ASRAAM by mid-2023, and the Tejas Mark 1A will have a dual pylon rack for increased Beyond Visual Range Missile carrying capacity.

MBDA and Hindustan Aeronautics are also in discussions with the Indian Air Force to clear the Scalp Long-Range Air-Launched Stealth Cruise Missile for integration into Tejas Mark 1A aircraft with the possibility of local production of Scalp cruise missile by Bharat Dynamics Ltd.

The Rudram-1 and Rudram-2 Anti-Radiation Missiles will also be tested from the Tejas Mark 1A in the near future followed by the BrahMos-NG variant after 2025.