SOURCE: AFI
In a recent interview with Tarmak Media House, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence Research & Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), addressed reports suggesting that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to equip all 73 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets with the Israeli ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Dr. Kamat categorically dismissed these claims, stating, “No, I don’t think it’s true. Discussions are still underway, and the plan is to integrate the Uttam AESA radar starting from the 41st Tejas Mk1A jet.”
The clarification comes amid speculation about the radar selection for the Tejas Mk1A, a critical component of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program. The Uttam AESA radar, developed indigenously by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), represents a significant step toward self-reliance in defence technology. Dr. Kamat emphasized that while initial batches of the Tejas Mk1A may incorporate foreign radar systems due to production timelines, the goal is to transition to the Uttam AESA radar as early as the 41st aircraft in the production line.
The ongoing discussions will likely shape the final configuration of the Tejas Mk1A fleet, balancing immediate operational needs with the strategic goal of technological self-sufficiency. Dr. Kamat’s statement reaffirms DRDO’s commitment to advancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities, with the Uttam AESA radar poised to play a pivotal role in the Tejas Mk1A program.
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