How DRDO & ADA are redefining India’s indigenous LCA Tejas capabilities Rather than letting older prototypes languish, they intend to transform them into autonomous testbeds. The testbeds will trial next-gen AI flight systems, with the aspiration being Level 5 autonomy, where the plane pilots itself. This, obviously, indicates a change in India’s aerospace mindset. But it also shows a willingness to stay abreast of global trends in drone warfare. And it uses assets more efficiently, reusing old aircraft for new research instead of retiring them.
Why Tejas Prototypes Matter
The Tejas program dates all the way back to the 1980s, when India was desperately calling for an indigenous fighter. It wasn’t easy. Its slick aerodynamic styling was tunnel-tested as well, but imported tech was necessary to begin with, so. India’s 1998 nuclear tests, which led to U.S. sanctions that terminated that access. India had to adapt. Out of that defeat came the digital fly-by-wire suite and its multimode radar. These were breakthroughs, achieved despite obstacles.
Well, fast forward, and Tejas has evolved into a 220-jet program on order. Its Mk1A version, featuring a new AESA radar and new life support, shows continued development. But the ancient prototypes — which don’t meet modern upgrade standards — felt antiquated. That’s all changing with DRDO’s new plan. Rather than let those prototypes go to waste, they’ll be transformed into AI test flights. They will test unmanned control in real, high-stakes environments.
It’s not just India playing catch-up. It’s India being India. It catapults itself from old saws and cul-de-sacs. And it cuts dependence on outside latches, a recurring theme in Tejas history. To reach Level 5 autonomy with AI flight systems will require novel testing approaches. Hence, retrofitting old Tejas jets into testbeds fits the purpose perfectly.
Bridging to Future Combat Systems
What’s at stake? India seeks to connect current technology with the future requirements. Future air combat won’t be about one platform. It will be a mix. Fifth and sixth generation fighters, drones and hybrids will fly side-by-side. AI flight control will be the glue for these platforms. Global defense players are already heading this direction. Airbus highlighted AI-based autonomy in combat systems in a 2024 paper. And the US and China have invested billions in autonomous swarm operations as well. For India, the Tejas testbeds mean it can join the conversation instead of only buying into it later.
Ghatak UCAV is no exception. Its stealth test platform, SWiFT, is already flying. It features a dry Kaveri engine variant, another indigenous marvel. But to level up from slow subsonic jaunts to a 6th gen role, Ghatak require more than smart controls. It requires AI flight systems that can adapt on-mission, without frequent human intervention. That’s precisely where ai experiment with tejas testbeds can come in. Dr. Kota Harinarayana, Tejas’ chief architect, recently told me that the required core tech is available. On tap, just waiting in the wings, is political momentum and scientific rigor. These prototypes will provide answers to questions such as: Could an AI flight algorithm execute split-second aerial maneuvers. Can it triage threats in a cacophonous battlefield. These problems can’t be solved in labs in isolation. They need stressed testbeds.
Conclusion
Turning the Tejas prototypes into machines to support the AI-powered testbeds is a reflection of India’s futuristic thinking. The AI flight systems flight tested there will pilot next-gen fighters and UCAVs circa 2045 and on. It rolls out to already in-service aircraft intelligently, accelerates indigenous R&D efforts even further, monitors worldwide battle activity. It also boosts India’s aerospace swagger. Not trashing old jets, India’s transforming them into tomorrows tools! In the process, DRDO and ADA demonstrate that true progress isn’t merely about pursuing new platforms. It’s taking chances with what’s next and stretching freedom to the horizon on AI-powered wings.
About The Author
