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I think you are getting caught up in the new name.
Mk1A is nothing but a slightly-slightly upgraded Mk1.
It is a necessary step towards Mk2.
I think there'll be no IOC or FOC type certification for Mk1As, hence no time will be wasted.
There are no major design changes, except weight reduction, an EW sensor, some realignment of LRUs, more BVRAAMs will be tested, AESA radar and some other minor stuff.
Mk1As are meant to be a small stepping stone, and not have major changes like more ferry range or MTOW.
I agree that MK1A is somewhat upgradeable. But it is only capable of replacing the existing items with new ones and not adding items.MK1's and MK1A are both extremely upgradable. Even after all upgradtions for MK1A, there can be further weight reductions in landing gear. Avionics and weapons package can all be upgraded. Even if there is a better engine with similar volume as GE F04, TWR will increase (which will increase as weight gets reduced as well).
All the source codes are owned by us - many new systems can be added.
Landing gear changes will require weight rebalancing and hence redesign