So, the second operational IAF Squadron No. 18(Flying Bullets) became operational after the No. 45(Flying Daggers).Tejas in Squan 18 was delivered under FOC(Final Operational Clearance) while the No. 45 holds the IOC-2(Initial Op. Clearance) airworthiness.

How does Tejas stack up against workhorses of Pakistan and China?

Pakistan- The JF-17 “Thunder” is the workhorse of PAF. While F-16 are more advanced, they are hitting their mid-life cycles and orderes are limited, while the JFT will be ordered in the near future.

Engine- Tejas runs on GE404 which gives 53kN dey and 90kN with Afterburners while the Russian Kimlov’s of JFT churn out 50 and 85 respectively. Russian engines aren’t reliable, as we know from vast experience.

The RD-93 of JFT has intense thermal signature for heat seekers. Tejas’s rated engines and point defence role gives it quicker turn, better agility and overall ‘win’ in this department.

Radar- Tejas runs on ELTA-E/L-2032 while JFT runs on KLJ-7(Chinese). Of all media reports coming out about the radar from Defence sites tell about it’s short range and explains why the SD-10 BVR missile with a maximum range of 150km only runs 100km in the JF-17.

In all, the Tejas takes the Radar category, without even include the future Uttam AESA radar in Tejas-1A.

Weapons- JFT carries a mix of Chinese and vintage missiles. Missiles like AIM-9, R-Darter have mostly been phased out while Chinese missiles like PL-15, PL-12(SD-10) haven’t been tested to create a solid benchmark.

Tejas meanwhile carries a mix kitty of Indian(Astra), Israeli(Python, Derby) and Russian(R-73). Simply awarding Tejas because the missiles have been tested out in international combats.