SOURCE: AFI
In a significant stride towards enhancing India’s defense capabilities and reducing dependency on foreign technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced plans to develop its own Laser Designation Pod (LDP) for the Tejas Mk1A and MkII fighter jets. This move comes at a time when India heavily relies on Israeli-supplied LITENING targeting pods to meet its needs.
Talks with IAF on specifications and technical requirements more or less have been over and soon development is set to begin. IAF has demanded some next-gen features so that the it can be used on 4.5gen fighters as well as on 5th gen fighter in near future.
Currently, the Indian Air Force employs the Israeli LITENING targeting pods, which have served well but also underscore India’s reliance on external sources for critical defence technology.
Laser Designation Pods are critical tools in modern aerial warfare, offering capabilities that go beyond traditional targeting systems:
- Detection, Recognition, and Identification: LDPs use advanced sensors for the detection, recognition, and identification of surface targets, ensuring that pilots can engage with precision.
- Day/Night Operations: These pods enable aircraft to perform both day and night attacks, significantly enhancing the operational envelope of fighter jets like the Tejas.
- Precision Strikes: With the ability to accurately deliver precision-guided munitions, LDPs ensure that targets are hit with minimal collateral damage, crucial for operations in densely populated or strategic areas.
- Real-Time Communication: The pods can transmit real-time video and imagery of targets back to base stations, allowing for better strategic decision-making and coordination.
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