SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk1A program has hit a potential roadblock with the performance of its Israeli-made ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Fire Control Radar (FCR). According to defense journalist Anantha Krishnan M, the radar is facing undisclosed issues.
The ELM-2052, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is also integrated into the IAF’s Jaguar Darin III upgraded fighter jets. In 2020, HAL secured a license to produce the radar’s gallium arsenide-based modules for the Jaguar program. Notably, the Tejas Mk1A variant houses a larger antenna and power supply for its ELM-2052 compared to the Jaguar version.
Originally intended as an interim solution for the first 41 Tejas Mk1A jets, the ELM-2052 was to be replaced by the indigenously developed Uttam AESA FCR. The nature of the current issues with the ELM-2052 remains unclear, but if significant, it could further delay the Tejas Mk1A delivery schedule.
The development raises concerns about the reliability of the critical radar system for the Tejas, India’s premier light combat aircraft. The IAF and HAL will need to closely monitor the situation and expedite the development of the Uttam FCR to ensure the program’s success.
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