An important turning point in India’s aerial defense capabilities and its pursuit of military technological independence will soon be marked by the introduction of the newest TEJAS fighter jet into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
At a time of increased tensions with China and Pakistan, the Israeli military is upgrading its combat readiness and operational flexibility by equipping the TEJAS, an indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), with cutting-edge radar and electronic warfare weapons.
The Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, created by ELTA Systems, a division of Israel Aerospace Industries, is the main component of this upgrade. By providing the capacity to concurrently track several airborne, ground, and sea-based targets with exceptional accuracy and speed, this radar system provides a significant advancement above conventional mechanically scanned radars.
Additionally, AESA radars are more difficult to detect and jam, which gives the TEJAS a major edge in survivability and stealth in contested airspace. Additionally being integrated is the UTTAM AESA, a domestic Indian radar that adds redundancy and fortifies the aircraft’s electronic shield. When combined, these systems give TEJAS pilots unmatched situational awareness and enable them to react quickly and forcefully to new threats.
The complex electronic warfare (EW) system, which consists of a radar warning receiver, self-protection jammer, and optional external electronic countermeasure (ECM) pods, completes the advanced radar suite.
Together, these capabilities significantly increase the aircraft’s survivability in contemporary combat situations by interfering with enemy radars, confusing incoming missiles, and warning pilots of impending hazards. Furthermore, Elbit Systems of Israel developed a sophisticated helmet-mounted display system for TEJAS pilots that enhances combat efficiency by putting vital data and targeting information right in the pilot’s field of vision.
Another noteworthy feature of the most recent TEJAS MK-1A is its increased mission and payload flexibility. TEJAS has improved close-combat engagement capabilities thanks to the integration of a dual-pylon configuration, which enables the aircraft to carry sophisticated air-to-air missiles like the ASRAAM, which is renowned for its rapid speed and sophisticated imaging infrared seeker.
The indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile, which will enable long-range engagements and enhance the current close-combat capabilities, is part of plans to further increase the aircraft’s arsenal.
These Israeli technologies, the majority of which are being produced and constructed in India through strategic relationships with local companies, will be installed on 83 upgraded TEJAS MK-1A aircraft.
This strategy encourages the expansion of India’s local defense manufacturing ecosystem in addition to supporting the government’s “Make in India” campaign. The partnership with Israel has been especially noteworthy since it has closed important technological gaps caused by past failures with other international partners, like the United States’ limits on fighter engine technologies and France’s unwillingness to exchange Rafale source codes.
TEJAS is a powerful platform against modern threats, particularly those from China and Pakistan, thanks to its sophisticated avionics, radar, and EW capabilities. The aircraft is an essential tool for the IAF as it looks to replace its aging fleet of MiG-21s and Jaguars because of its capacity to detect, track, and engage several targets at once, as well as its improved survivability and mission flexibility. India, which now only has 31 combat squadrons—much fewer than the ideal number of 42 needed for complete operational readiness—needs to modernize.
The next iteration of TEJAS, which is already being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is anticipated to have better agility, greater range, and canard wings. International partnerships with American, French, and Israeli businesses should improve the aircraft’s operational adaptability and lethality even further.
An important turning point in India’s defense modernization and independence has been reached with the introduction of the newest TEJAS fighter jet, which is outfitted with state-of-the-art Israeli radar and electronic warfare systems. In addition to enhancing India’s air power, TEJAS heralds a new age of technological advancement and strategic independence in the nation’s defense posture by lowering reliance on outside assistance and enhancing domestic capabilities.
