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Calls into question the wisdom of going for ELTA-2052 for all 83 Mk1a's (original plan was to cap it at 40, with Uttam for the rest). HAL Chief had said that this was decided keeping in mind the timelines, but the timelines are precisely what are being impacted now
HAL chief has been lambasted in social media for repeatedly lying about delivery dates & sweeping issues under the carpet. That's why he is more cautious now
Uttam is native. So is Tejas and so is Astra. I say we cap ELTA-2052 to just the first squadron (20 aircraft) and accelerate Uttam induction. Our own boys can sort out the integrations issues in record time
I agree, keep it at 18 for the first squadron and later swap them out.
ELAT 2052 is turning out ot be an erroneous choice.
Persisting with it is the Bridge of River Kwai syndrome.
Ramanaji, there seem to be three variants of the Radar for Tejas MK1A/MK2. Initial variant had about 780 or so Transmit receive module. This was improved and a variant with 912 TRM Gallium Arsenide module AESA for MK1A was developed. This will equip the second lot of orders of Tejas MK1A. Then the work on an improved variant for MK2 with 992 TRM is in works that is said to be smaller/compact variant using Gallium Nitride TRM. The current initial prototype testing may be happening with Gallium Arsenide variant of the same. Mostly modified to utilize the extra power available due to F414.
The one that will go on Tejas MK1A https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2024/0 ... tejas.html
Compared to the ELM-2052 AESA radar, the Uttam AESA FCR has better tracking accuracy, a longer detection range, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. For comparison while ELM-2052 can track 64 targets, Uttam AESA radar can track 100 targets. In 2015 Uttam was stated to be capable of tracking a target having RCS of 2m square at a distance of 92 kilometers. According to the new reports, the range has been increased to 150 kilometers for the target of the same RCS.Uttam has also been able to track Tejas from a range of 140 km which is quite significant as TEJAS is smallest fighter jet in its category and has good stealth characteristics due to the usage of composite.
The Uttam AESA radar version for TEJAS MK-1A will feature 912 T/R modules. Uttam is a full solid-state Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) based active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
Additionally, Uttam AESA radar has LPI i.e. low-probability-of-intercept feature. The LPI will enable fighter jets to employ counter measures to avoid detection by passive radar detection equipment while it is searching for a target or engaged in target tracking.
Some videos explaining the upgrades and also the upcoming radar for Tejas MK2 New Uttam Radar for Tejas Mk1A & M2 | Details and Future | हिंदी में
An older video, but explains the advantages of different types of TRM module and their advantage. Gallium Arsenide vs Gallium Nitride Uttam AESA Radar | 4 Derivative of Uttam Radar
Several countries showing interest in buying LCA Mark 1A aircraft: HAL Chairman DK Sunil As the first LCA Mark 1A aircraft produced by the Nashik facility of the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) took its maiden flight on Friday, HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil said that several countries have shown interest in buying the aircraft. Speaking to on Thursday, Sunil said that the discussions with several nations are in a preliminary stage. He said, "Yes, there have been interests expressed by many countries. We are discussing, and today it's at a very preliminary stage. Still, the kind of interest shown is very heartening because they feel it's a very capable aircraft. We are also showcasing to them what our capabilities are, what additions we can make."
https://x.com/TheLegateIN/status/1980908573229215958
@TheLegateIN
Just In: Brazilian media quoting Brazil's defense ministry sources say that Brazil is ready to purchase 32 Tejas Mk1A fighters and 24 Prachand attack helicopters from India in exchange of India purchasing 80 C-390M transporters.
Some reports even mentioning Agni-1 and Prithvi-2 offered to Brazil as part of the deal
If we consider all the deals of C-390 per unit cost including all the other cost is between ~140$-210$ million. Now, if at all there is talk of barter trade then number 80 of C-390 is high, 40 would be more appropriate for 32 odd tejas Mk1a and 24 LCH.
https://x.com/FighterPiloting/status/19 ... 1569571021
@FighterPiloting
Mk1A EW suite is better than Spectra. Mk1A has the same number of Astras as Rafale has Meteors. So no, Rafale is not better. Further import of Rafales is a blindness that needs a cure.
https://x.com/FighterPiloting/status/19 ... 7716733977
@FighterPiloting
97 Tejas Mk1A standard with Astra Mk2, both of which are under testing, would beat imported Rafale of today in 1 on 1 BVRAAM engagement, every time. Rest is just a cope mechanism by commissioned import justifiers.
uddu wrote: ↑22 Oct 2025 14:06Several countries showing interest in buying LCA Mark 1A aircraft: HAL Chairman DK Sunil As the first LCA Mark 1A aircraft produced by the Nashik facility of the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) took its maiden flight on Friday, HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil said that several countries have shown interest in buying the aircraft. Speaking to on Thursday, Sunil said that the discussions with several nations are in a preliminary stage. He said, "Yes, there have been interests expressed by many countries. We are discussing, and today it's at a very preliminary stage. Still, the kind of interest shown is very heartening because they feel it's a very capable aircraft. We are also showcasing to them what our capabilities are, what additions we can make."
Khayali pulao of the highest order. HAL is simply not able to deliver on its commitments for Indian orders and now has zero excuses given the size of its order book.
HAL MD has now started talking of foreign orders to distract and hide his own incompetence and lack of delivery.
Engine will be gifted by Yanks or does HAL already have an alternate ready ? Have they not learnt from their earlier bidding experiences?
This sounds like electric buses being exported to Africa - sounds nice until you see vintages still running in Indian cities. Wear your Pajamas and then gift some more
Anyone with a room temperature IQ knows that a great product can be made a substandard one if there is poor support infrastructure and an okay product made great by having top of the line support.
HALs pedigree in support and QC is atrocious: we have seen the fiasco when we exported Dhruv to Lat Am. At the time it was exported, Dhruv was a mature product and yet HAL dropped the ball. Here we have a new product in the form of 1A and the MD is having mungerilal dreams of exporting it. Where is the support structure and procedure that must exist before it even lands there? What happens when they require engine spare parts? How far along is HAL in predicting failures and preventive maintenance?
S_Madhukar wrote: ↑23 Oct 2025 14:38
Engine will be gifted by Yanks or does HAL already have an alternate ready ? Have they not learnt from their earlier bidding experiences?
This sounds like electric buses being exported to Africa - sounds nice until you see vintages still running in Indian cities. Wear your Pajamas and then gift some more
When order for new engines are placed, more numbers could be placed.
