SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
At Aero India 2025, a major milestone in India’s indigenous defense capabilities was showcased with the Advanced Self Protection Jamming Pod (ASPJ) developed for the Tejas Mk1A by the Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The ASPJ pod, which was seen flying on the LCA-Navy aircraft, has already undergone developmental trials on the Tejas Mk1 jets, marking a significant step towards enhancing the survivability and combat effectiveness of Indian aircraft.
The ASPJ pod is a vital component in the self-defense suite of fighter aircraft, designed to protect the aircraft from hostile radar and missile threats by jamming enemy radar signals. This advanced electronic warfare system enhances the aircraft’s ability to evade detection and neutralize threats during combat missions, making it an essential part of the Tejas Mk1A’s avionics suite.
The ASPJ pod functions by emitting jamming signals that disrupt enemy radar systems, rendering the aircraft less detectable or misidentifying it as a target. This ensures that the aircraft can carry out its mission with a much higher degree of safety and operational flexibility in contested airspaces.
The ASPJ pod has been equipped with cutting-edge technologies, making it an integral part of the Tejas Mk1A’s defensive capabilities. Some of the key specifications and features include:
1. 16 Element Active Array T/R Unit
The Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology used in the ASPJ pod features a 16-element active array T/R unit, which allows for more effective and adaptive jamming capabilities. The active array system offers rapid beam steering, enabling the pod to focus its jamming signals more precisely at multiple threats simultaneously.
2. Air-Cooled System
The ASPJ pod is equipped with an air-cooled system, ensuring that the internal components remain operational even in the harsh conditions of high-speed flight. The cooling system ensures the pod’s reliability and longevity, maintaining performance during long operational periods.
3. Eight Proto Manufactured Pods
As part of its development phase, eight prototype pods have already been manufactured. These prototypes are being subjected to a variety of rigorous tests to ensure that the ASPJ pod performs optimally under different combat conditions.
4. Electronic Phase Shifting for Jamming Direction
One of the key capabilities of the ASPJ pod is its ability to electronically change the angular direction of its radiation pattern. This is achieved by using a phase shifter in each T/R module that imposes a suitable phase shift. The AATRU (Active Array True Radar Unit) embedded within the pod dynamically adjusts the jamming signals, allowing for precise and adaptive jamming coverage. This technology enables the pod to focus its electronic warfare capabilities based on real-time threat assessments and changing combat scenarios, making it highly effective in dynamic operational environments.
5. Soon to Begin Testing with the IAF
With successful developmental trials already conducted on the Tejas Mk1, the ASPJ pod is now poised to undergo testing with the Indian Air Force (IAF). These upcoming tests will assess the pod’s performance in actual operational conditions, ensuring it meets the stringent requirements of India’s modern aerial combat forces.
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