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SOURCE: AFI

India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A has recently been spotted for the first time equipped with the ELL-8212/ELL-8222 Self Protection Jamming Pod, in addition to a pair of Astra MkI Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles. This development marks a significant enhancement in the Tejas Mk1A’s defensive and offensive capabilities as it prepares for deployment with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The integration of these systems demonstrates the ongoing modernization of India’s homegrown fighter program to meet the demands of modern aerial warfare.

The ELL-8212 and ELL-8222 Self-Protection Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) pods, developed by Israel’s ELTA Systems, are designed to enhance the survivability of fighter jets and other military aircraft by providing robust protection against a wide range of air-to-air (A/A) and surface-to-air (S/A) threats. These threats typically come from radar-guided missile systems, which form a dense and complex challenge for any aircraft in contested airspace.

The pods, known for being small, lightweight, and aerodynamically optimized, are similar in contour to air-to-air missiles, allowing them to be installed on the outer wing stations without adding significant drag or weight penalties. This design provides flexibility in combat missions, allowing pilots to balance between offensive and defensive payloads. The ELL-8212/ELL-8222 pods feature simple mechanical and electrical interfaces, enabling quick installation and integration on various aircraft platforms.

In addition to the ECM pods, the Tejas Mk1A was also seen carrying a pair of Astra MkI BVR missiles. The Astra MkI, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is India’s first indigenously developed air-to-air missile designed for BVR engagements. Capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 110 km, the Astra MkI brings critical long-range strike capability to the Tejas Mk1A, enabling it to engage enemy aircraft before they can get within visual range.

Equipping the Tejas Mk1A with both the ELL-8212/ELL-8222 ECM pods and the Astra MkI missile highlights the Indian Air Force’s push to develop a fighter that can hold its own in both offensive and defensive scenarios. While the Astra MkI provides formidable strike capability, the ECM pods protect the aircraft from potential threats, ensuring mission success and pilot safety in contested environments.

While the ELL-8212/ELL-8222 ECM pods represent a leap forward in electronic warfare capabilities, India has also been working on its indigenous solution for self-protection jamming. The DRDO-developed Advanced Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ) Pod has been in testing on earlier variants of the LCA Tejas Mk1. This system is expected to eventually replace the ELL-8212/ELL-8222 pods on future Tejas Mk1A units, marking a move towards further self-reliance in India’s defense technology.

The ASPJ is designed to provide similar, if not enhanced, electronic countermeasure capabilities tailored to the unique needs of the Indian Air Force. As part of the broader indigenization of critical military technologies, the ASPJ will likely be integrated into the Tejas Mk1A fleet after the initial production run, starting with the 51st unit along with Uttam AESA Radar.