Tejas

Tejas is a name with multiple uses. In geography and history, it is linked to the term from which the name Texas is derived. The Spanish colonial name Tejas referred to the Caddoan-speaking peoples and their land. The state of Texas in the United States derives its name from Tejas, a term often interpreted as meaning “friends” or “allies” in reference to the native groups of the region.

HAL Tejas refers to India’s homegrown light combat aircraft (LCA) designed to perform air defense, reconnaissance, and ground-attack missions. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited with the Aeronautical Development Agency, the program began in the 1980s to foster self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The Tejas first flew in 2001 and entered service with the Indian Air Force in 2013; subsequent enhancements produced the Tejas Mark 1A variant with improved radar, avionics, and weapons integration.

Tejas is also used as a given name in India, drawn from the Sanskrit tejas, meaning brilliance or radiance.