India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is displaying several mockups of the Tejas Mk2 upgrade to the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) which has been progressively entering service with the Indian Air Force.

The mockups reveal details of the upgraded design, including the addition of canard foreplanes (see photo) located behind the cockpit, above the engine inlets. In front of the cockpit, the aircraft features an inflight refuelling probe and an infrared search and track (IRST) system.

The DRDO indicates that the Tejas Mk2 — now designated Medium Weight Fighter — will feature an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which could be developed in-country. The DRDO is also displaying a Tejas Mk1 equipped with an indigenous UTTAM AESA radar at the show.

The Tejas Mk2 will feature a more powerful GE-F414-INS6 engine and will be able to carry a larger weapons payload, including cruise missiles. The DRDO mockup and associated illustrations show the aircrat carrying a missile that bears a strong resemblance to the MBDA Storm Shadow. The Tejas Mk2 will also be designed to carry long-range air-to-air missiles.

The DRDO also highlights the aircraft's “smart cockpit” — possibly modelled on DSDO's own advanced cockpit concept also on display at the show. Features include a large tactile screen and the use of artificial intelligence.