RAS question
Tejas Mk1A differs from Tejas Mk1 primarily in:
Correct answer: (A) AESA radar, EW suite, and air-to-air refuelling.
Tejas Mk1A differs from Tejas Mk1 primarily through upgraded operational systems such as AESA radar, an electronic warfare suite and air-to-air refuelling capability.
Explanation
Tejas Mk1A is best identified as a systems and capability upgrade over Tejas Mk1, not as a new aircraft configuration. The Ministry of Defence’s PIB release describes the Mk-1A variant as a modern 4+ generation fighter equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, Beyond Visual Range missile capability, an Electronic Warfare suite and Air-to-Air Refuelling. Mk1A includes an EL/M-2052 AESA radar, upgraded mission computer, in-flight refuelling probe and improved maintainability, while retaining the GE F404-IN20 engine from Mk1. That is why option A captures the primary difference: avionics, electronic warfare and refuelling upgrades, rather than stealth, a new engine or a twin-engine redesign.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Stealth features are not the stated Mk1A upgrade; stealth is associated with AMCA rather than Tejas Mk1A.
- (C) A different powerplant is not the primary difference because both Mk1 and Mk1A retain the GE F404-IN20 engine.
- (D) Twin-engine configuration is wrong because Tejas remains a single-engine aircraft across its variants.
Concept
This tests defence technology in the Science and Technology syllabus, especially how aircraft variants differ by avionics and operational capability rather than by name alone. RAS repeats such questions because indigenous defence procurement and platform upgrades are regular current-affairs themes.