SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
At the ongoing Aero India 2025, the Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk1A has been showcased with the Dual Pylon configuration for the ASRAAM Close Combat Missile (CCM) for the first time. This development, as confirmed by idrw.org, marks an important step in enhancing the Tejas Mk1A’s weapon integration capabilities, further boosting the aircraft’s operational potential.
The new Dual Pylon configuration has been designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and it represents a significant improvement in terms of the Tejas Mk1A’s weapons flexibility. The ASRAAM missile, which is primarily used for close-range combat, will be mounted in this new configuration to optimize the Tejas Mk1A’s strike capabilities.
The Dual Pylon configuration is mounted on the weapon station 6 (outboard) on the wing of the Tejas Mk1A, a critical location designed to support the weight and functionality of the ASRAAM missiles. Each ASRAAM missile weighs approximately 88 kg, and the Dual Pylon configuration is designed to support a total load of 310 kg, which includes two ASRAAM missiles.
HAL has confirmed idrw.org that the Dual Pylon system is currently undergoing inflight testing as part of the integration and validation process. The successful completion of these tests will pave the way for the system’s operational clearance, allowing the Tejas Mk1A to be deployed with enhanced close-combat capabilities.
The addition of the Dual Pylon ASRAAM CCM is a significant upgrade for the Tejas Mk1A, enhancing its ability to engage aerial threats at close range. ASRAAM missiles are designed for high-speed, high-maneuverability engagements, making them perfect for intercepting and destroying enemy aircraft in dogfight situations. With the Dual Pylon, the Tejas Mk1A now has the capacity to carry two ASRAAMs on the same pylon, improving the aircraft’s weapon payload and reducing the time required to engage multiple targets.
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