SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant update for India’s defence sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman DK Sunil recently announced that the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) will be test-fired from the advanced Tejas Mk1A fighter jet within the next 15 days. This development, shared on February 18, 2025, marks a critical step toward enhancing the combat capabilities of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and meeting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) stringent requirements.
According to DK Sunil, the upcoming test firing is one of the final hurdles before the Tejas Mk1A can be fully certified and deployed operationally. Posts on X and defence news outlets have echoed this sentiment, with users and analysts noting that the test will provide crucial data on the missile’s performance when guided by the ELTA ELM-2052 AESA radar, a marked improvement over the older ELM-2032 radar used in earlier Tejas variants. The revalidation process is vital to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance, especially as the IAF plans to deploy the aircraft at forward airbases closer to potential conflict zones.
The Tejas Mk1A’s new ELTA ELM-2052 AESA radar is a game-changer, offering enhanced target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities compared to its predecessor. Unlike mechanically scanned radars, the AESA system uses electronic scanning to rapidly switch between multiple targets, providing superior situational awareness and faster response times. This upgrade aligns with the IAF’s demand for a fighter jet capable of countering modern aerial threats, including stealth aircraft, drones, and long-range missiles from adversaries like China and Pakistan.
However, the introduction of the AESA radar has also necessitated extensive testing and revalidation of existing systems, including the Astra Mk1. The IAF has made it clear that the missile’s performance must be thoroughly evaluated with the new radar to ensure reliability and accuracy in real-world combat scenarios. This requirement has delayed the Tejas Mk1A’s delivery schedule, but HAL remains confident that the upcoming test will pave the way for certification and operational deployment.
One of the IAF’s key expectations is that the Tejas Mk1A, once certified, will be deployable at forward airbases along India’s borders, particularly in the western and northern sectors facing Pakistan and China. These bases, often located in challenging terrains and closer to potential flashpoints, require aircraft with robust performance, quick response times, and advanced weaponry. The Astra Mk1’s long-range engagement capability, combined with the AESA radar’s enhanced tracking, positions the Tejas Mk1A as a vital asset for maintaining air dominance in these regions.
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