India's Tejas Trainer Upgrade: A Leap Forward in Operational Readiness
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Explore CNC Systems →The Indian Air Force has taken a significant step in enhancing its operational readiness by upgrading the last two twin-seat Tejas trainers, SPT7 and SPT8, with cutting-edge EL/M-2052 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar technology and air-to-air refuelling probes. This upgrade aligns the trainers with the Tejas Mk1A configuration, providing pilots with a more realistic and immersive training experience.
The upgrade process was carried out to meet the Indian Air Force's requirement for lead-in fighter trainers for the Tejas Mk1A. The two upgraded trainers, SPT7 and SPT8, are the last two twin-seat aircraft from the original 2010 FOC production order, which included 20 FOC-standard aircraft, including four trainers. The upgrade aims to bridge the gap between the earlier Tejas trainer fleet, equipped with the mechanically scanned EL/M-2032, and the new trainers that will incorporate greater levels of Mk1A standard avionics.
The EL/M-2052 AESA radar and air-to-air refuelling probe installed on the upgraded trainers provide pilots with a more realistic and immersive training experience. The EL/M-2052 AESA radar offers advanced capabilities, including improved detection and tracking of airborne targets, while the air-to-air refuelling probe enables the trainers to simulate refuelling operations, enhancing their operational readiness.
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Explore Carbon Fiber →The upgrade is part of a larger effort to modernize the Indian Air Force's trainer fleet. The 2021 contract for 73 Tejas Mk1A single-seat fighters and 10 twin-seat trainers marked a significant milestone in this effort. The trainers were ordered to meet operational conversion and training needs, and the upgrade of SPT7 and SPT8 is a critical step in this process.
The next major step in the evolution of the Tejas program is the 97-aircraft Tejas Mk1A order signed in 2025, which includes 29 twin-seat trainers. These trainers will be equipped with the indigenous Uttam AESA radar and Swayam Raksha Kavach (SRK) electronic warfare suite, marking a significant shift towards a more indigenous avionics baseline. The second production batch is set to bring a number of imported systems replaced by Indian-developed options, further enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force.
The upgrade of SPT7 and SPT8 is a critical step in the evolution of the Tejas program, providing pilots with a more realistic and immersive training experience. It marks a significant leap forward in operational readiness, aligning the trainers with the Tejas Mk1A configuration and enhancing their capabilities. As the Indian Air Force continues to modernize its trainer fleet, this upgrade sets the stage for a more effective and efficient training process, ultimately enhancing the operational readiness of the force.
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