JTull wrote:This is news! What's the basis for the optimism? As per reports in Dec, it was a dead end. Mig-29 platforms with required modifications were never provided to install D-29.
The CAG reports referred to a situation several years back, where the required aircraft were still getting modified in Russia & hence unavailable in India. Thereafter, it was installed and has been in trials for past few years.
Anyhow, wont post on it currently given the current scenario, but its come good.
Also, it was determined that it's not feasible to install this on Tejas.
Never meant for the Tejas, as name suggests its D-29 specifically designed for what the MiG-29 can accommodate and field.
It does however belong to a common family of EW suites, the first of which was meant for the Tejas but cannot be fitted internally because of the lack of space. Expect a podded version to be developed for the LCAs in future, if IAF doesnt just order more EL/L-8222 instead. Right now, there are some 3 airborne EW suites in process, so the lack of the LCA suite does not hamper Indian EW efforts or ecosystem build up. Plus there is the MWF, and then the AMCA etc.