DECODED: How Tejas Mk1A of India and US’s F-35 fighter jets are secretly similar?

Tejas Mk1A VS F-35: It is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft that is specifically built to perform air-defence missions, close-combat operations and offensive air support. Tejas’s major USP is that it is one of the lightest and smallest fighter jets in its class. The Tejas programme is the flagship programme of India. It is an effort to modernise the Indian Air Force’s fleet by replacing its ageing fighter jets and reducing its dependency on foreign suppliers. The first Tejas squadron – No. 45 ‘Flying Daggers’ – was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2016.

Tejas Mk1A and F‑35 – So Different Yet Similar To An Extent

Both the jets use extensive carbon-fiber composites, digital glass cockpits, and sensor fusion. These shared features are both unexpected and insightful.

But despite their different roles and price tags, both fighter jets share several hidden design choices that show how modern fighters often rely on similar technologies.

The ‘Made in India’ Tejas and US-made F-35 Lightning II fighter jets are different fighter aircraft and are built very differently. But they secretly share some similarities. Tejas is a cost-effective, lightweight jet developed by HAL. On the other hand, F-35 is one of the world’s most expensive fighter jets.

Tejas Mk1A and F‑35 – Most Striking Shared Feature

The most common shared feature between the fighter jets is the extensive use of carbon fibre. If we talk about Tejas, 90 percent of the surface area is composite – including wings, tailfin, fuselage panels and other fairings. This makes the fighter jet 40 percent lighter than other all‑metal jets.

On the other hand, the F‑35 is heavier and designed with advanced stealth technology. It has 35-40 percent composites. But why jets use composites? Well composites have better strength‑to‑weight ratios and immunity to corrosion.

Tejas Mk1A and F‑35 – Maintainability And Modular Design

Both the fighter jets are designed in a way that they have quick‑access panels and modular line‑replaceable units (LRUs). This allows both the ground crews to replace faulty parts. In Tejas, this process needs operational needs to keep a smaller fleet serviceable. For F‑35 its predictive diagnostics and advanced maintenance software.

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