IAF Tejas
The Tejas is outfitted with AESA (active electronic scanned array) technology developed by Elta, an IAI subsidiary, to replace an earlier Israeli radar.
The Indian Air Force will receive its new fighter jet, the HAL Tejas, later this month. The recent conflict with Pakistan has made the delivery, delayed for over a year, critical.
India’s decision to replace its ageing MiG-21 and Jaguar fighter jets with domestically produced aircraft is one of the reasons the country currently has only 31 fighter squadrons rather than the planned 42.
The Indian Air Force has already received forty Tejas aircraft from the initial production run. Israeli technology, in large part, has enabled the Indian Air Force to receive the advanced A1 variant, bringing it closer to Western standards.
Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, developed the AESA (active electronic scanned array) technology for the Tejas, which replaces an earlier Israeli radar.
Elta also offers an electronic warfare system. Pilots will use Elbit’s latest helmet-mounted sight, and the planes will carry Rafael’s radar-guided Derby missile.
The aircraft is fitted with multimillion-dollar Israeli systems.
Each of the 83 aircraft in the new variant will carry multimillion-dollar Israeli systems that Indian firms build locally under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” policy, which mandates domestic production of all defense equipment.
In fact, the Tejas will feature more Israeli technology than the Israeli Air Force’s own jets, which use American radar because the US vetoed the installation of Israeli radars.
The first aircraft were due for delivery two years ago, but production stalled because the United States delayed supplying General Electric F404 engines. At one point, officials also blamed Israeli industries for the setback.
Conclusion
India is still debating whether to develop local systems or buy foreign ones. Critics often point out the poor quality of many locally made products.
The Defense Ministry’s development arm in New Delhi continues to push domestic products. However, the military often favours imported systems with greater quality and proven performance. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. is developing the next generation of the Tejas fighter jet.
This new version will feature canard wings for greater manoeuvrability and control. It will also have a longer range and more advanced onboard systems. Israeli, French, and American firms are already competing to provide these upgraded systems.
References
- Israel Aerospace Industries – Elta Systems
- Indian Ministry of Defence – Make in India
- HAL Tejas Fighter Jet Overview – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- Rafael Advanced Defense Systems – Derby Missile
- Elbit Systems – Helmet Mounted Systems
- GE Aerospace – F404 Engine
- Indian Air Force Fighter Squadron Strength
- India-Israel Defence Cooperation – IDSA
