Is HAL Tejas an Air Superiority Fighter?

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) HAL Tejas is often debated in terms of its classification as an air superiority fighter. Many argue that despite its multirole capabilities, the Tejas does not fully meet the criteria of an air superiority aircraft, which are characterized by their superior maneuverability, armament capacity, and in-flight refueling capabilities.

Classification and Capabilities

The HAL Tejas is primarily classified as a light combat aircraft, designed with a focus on multirole missions such as air-to-ground strikes, air-to-air combat, and reconnaissance. Key features include advanced avionics and weapon systems. However, its primary roles are more aligned with ground attack missions and general air combat rather than air superiority.

Limits of the Tejas

While the Tejas is capable of engaging in air-to-air combat, it is not designed to dominate enemy airspace for extended periods. This limitation stems from its relatively light weight and smaller payload capacity compared to heavier, more heavyweight aircraft. For instance, the IAF's Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Dassault Rafale are equipped with advanced avionics, heavy armaments, and high fuel efficiency, making them superior in establishing air dominance.

Comparison with Air Superiority Fighters

Heavyweight air superiority fighters like the Su-30MKI can sustain combat missions for extended periods, often up to 3.75 hours, with the ability to refuel in-flight, potentially extending this to 10 hours. This endurance, coupled with their large payload, allows them to effectively engage a larger number of enemy aircraft and establish air dominance.

In contrast, the Tejas, while capable of air defense and selective attack missions, is not built to compete in these high-stakes scenarios. Its maneuverability and armament load are significantly constrained, and mounting advanced long-range missiles such as BrahMos or Astra BVRAAM would compromise its maneuverability or even render it unable to take off. This highlights the fundamental difference in design philosophy between the Tejas and air superiority fighters like the Su-30MKI and other advanced fighter jets.

Conclusion

To summarize, while the HAL Tejas is a capable fighter that can perform defensive and offensive missions, it is not classified as an air superiority fighter in the traditional sense. Its multirole capabilities and lightweight design are more aligned with rapid deployments and sustained engagements in a multi-mission environment rather than the extended air dominance missions of heavyweight fighters.