SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares to place an order for 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the focus is shifting toward incremental upgrades rather than sweeping hardware overhauls. This ?67,000 crore deal, following the 2021 contract for 83 Mk1A jets, aims to bolster the IAF’s depleting squadron strength with a platform that balances modernization with production efficiency. The key enhancements for these 97 aircraft will likely be the integration of a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Fire Control Radar (FCR) and the Astra MkIII missile, alongside a strong emphasis on software upgrades to accommodate locally developed weapons systems.
The GaN-based AESA FCR, a significant leap over the Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)-based systems, promises improved range, target tracking, and resistance to jamming, thanks to its higher power efficiency and thermal performance. However, this upgrade isn’t entirely new to the Tejas Mk1A program. Under the 2021 deal for 73 fighters and 10 trainers, HAL plans to introduce the GaN-based radar starting with the 41st aircraft, expected around 2027-2028, as production ramps up. By extending this upgrade to the 97 new jets, the IAF ensures continuity without necessitating major structural or design changes that could delay deliveries—a lesson drawn from past setbacks in the Tejas program.
The integration of the Astra MkIII, an advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is another focal point. With a projected range exceeding 150 km—surpassing the Astra MkI’s 100 km and MkII’s 140 km—the MkIII will enhance the Tejas Mk1A’s lethality in air combat, aligning it with modern threats posed by adversaries like China’s J-10C and Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III. This integration, however, will primarily involve software updates to the mission computer and radar systems rather than extensive hardware modifications, keeping the airframe largely consistent with earlier Mk1A variants.
This restrained approach to hardware changes reflects a pragmatic strategy. The initial 40 Mk1A jets from the 2021 order will feature the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar, with the indigenous Uttam AESA radar (initially GaAs-based) phased in later. The shift to GaN-based technology, already planned for the 41st jet onward, ensures that the 97 additional aircraft won’t require a redesign, avoiding the production bottlenecks that plagued earlier phases of the Tejas program. HAL’s current delivery schedule, targeting 16 jets annually from 2025-26 and scaling to 24 with a third production line, hinges on this stability.
Instead, the spotlight for these 97 jets will be on expanding the Tejas Mk1A’s weapons suite, with a focus on indigenous systems. Beyond the Astra MkIII, HAL and DRDO are working to integrate locally developed munitions like the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), Rudram anti-radiation missiles, and precision-guided bombs. These additions will rely heavily on software upgrades to the aircraft’s digital flight control computer and avionics, enabling seamless compatibility without altering the airframe. This software-centric approach not only accelerates integration but also aligns with India’s “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The decision to limit major hardware changes stems from the IAF’s urgent need to induct fighters amid delays in the initial Mk1A deliveries—originally slated for March 2024 but now expected mid-2025 due to engine supply issues with GE Aerospace. With only 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, and aging MiG-21s still in service, the IAF cannot afford further setbacks. By leveraging the GaN-based AESA FCR and Astra MkIII—both already in the pipeline—HAL can maintain production momentum while enhancing combat capability.
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