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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.
Hope we use mk1 a and mk 2 tejas for busting through paki defence next time !.. what is a better PR campaign for Indian military industrial complex than that ?!
IAF chief mentioned, HAL promised capability could be this one. CATS MUM-T RV technology demontrated from Tejas
Manned aircraft (ACS) takes off & sets join up RV pattern
Two UAVs launched MUM-T RV. During the RV, info of cameras of each UAV to be available.
Each UAV camera to be operated by ACS for some functionalities and status of each functionality to be available.
Formation proceeds to Sector UAVs maintain position during the turn onto next leg
6. UAVs interchange position wrt ACS while proceeding to Sector
UAVs tasked for Strike by AGS, fork out on the 3-point and 2-point Nav plan provided by ACS
B. Manned proceeds to holding pattern for Cª ACS. During the last leg of both UAVs nav plan, both UAVs are re-routed to another point with an altitude change
10. One UAV proceeds to RV with ACS
11. Both UAVe are recovered at
Dabolim
12. Aircraft lands at Dabolim
As per the contract, the initial plan was to start the delivery process by February 2024, but delays in supply of the engine, software integration, and testing have repeatedly pushed back the timeline.
HAL really has no excuses left - earlier they used to crib about constant changes and shifting goalposts by IAF, then the lack of sizeable orders to build up the sub vendor ecosystem and then GE.
Each and every item has now been addressed. The only thing constant is the utter lack of delivery from HAL. Every other day they set up mysterious product lines : its 16! 24!! 32!!! a year but no aircraft rolls out. Then there are announcements of bombastic products like Lift, Sport, what not …. Followed by xxx country is buying LCA! Swap with Brazil for LCA…
Meanwhile each HAL director has mastered the art of giving deadlines, drinking chai and partaking food in posh hotels where seminars are held and dutifully retiring. The next director comes in and rinse and repeat…
Tanaji wrote: ↑31 Oct 2025 20:54
HAL really has no excuses left - earlier they used to crib about constant changes and shifting goalposts by IAF, then the lack of sizeable orders to build up the sub vendor ecosystem and then GE.
Each and every item has now been addressed. The only thing constant is the utter lack of delivery from HAL. Every other day they set up mysterious product lines : its 16! 24!! 32!!! a year but no aircraft rolls out. Then there are announcements of bombastic products like Lift, Sport, what not …. Followed by xxx country is buying LCA! Swap with Brazil for LCA…
Meanwhile each HAL director has mastered the art of giving deadlines, drinking chai and partaking food in posh hotels where seminars are held and dutifully retiring. The next director comes in and rinse and repeat…
Sir, completely agree HAL didn’t stick to their commitments and CMD is worst..
However, as long as engines are being delivered (20-24 / year) and aircrafts are coming out from assembly line with (16-24 / year).. things should be Okay down the line.. at the end.
Once certification is achieved, you have all fighters ready for delivery in one Go and a stable assembly line.
Tanaji wrote: ↑23 Oct 2025 14:10
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.
Agreed. I don't think HAL's lazy, unaccountable culture will be fixed. The rot is from the top - successive CMDs lie through their teeth
The solution won't happen in the short term but we must work on it. Support startups & serious IDDM players (that eliminates the liked of Adani automatically) to take on more of HAL's work, its personnel, tooling etc. Starve HAL and eventually kill it
Tejas-Mk2 should be the last major aircraft order for HAL. Maybe they can get a bit of AMCA if others cannot ramp up that fast. But the writing should be on the wall & visible to everyone
Delivery from assy line is now assured.
Whats remains is the weapons testing. Hopefully soon will be done.
You all need to learn to understand what is said and unsaid.
ashthor wrote: ↑02 Nov 2025 10:34
Who is to blame HAL or the Israelis for the radar...whose job is to integrate the missile?
Good question. Its HAL's job to integrate the radar and the missile as the system integrator.
However there was an assumption that 2052 and Astra integration is a cinch as it was already test fired from Mk1 with 2032 radar.
Obviously the 2052 radar signals are not in the same interface as the 2032 radar.
RF transmission is tricky and unless the interfaces are locked down and an all up system test is performed to confirm its up in the air.
By now they must have done the all up system test prior to firing trials.
I think they have to fly a target and have the 2052 paint it and an inert test missile be flown on a Mk1A and record the data.
Once this is confirmed they can have an intercept.
ashthor wrote: ↑02 Nov 2025 10:34
Who is to blame HAL or the Israelis for the radar...whose job is to integrate the missile?
Elbit would've supported HAL in the integration. This isn't the first time either. HAL did it for the Jaguar DARIN 3.
The issue isn't necessarily with the radar integration with Tejas Mk1A but with the Astra Mk1 integration with the Elta 2052. However painful this is, it is necessary that appropriate rigour be applied in this integration so that the Astra Mk1 and Mk2 integration is flawless and works perfectly every time it's used.
BTW, the Astra Mk1 has a 2 way datalink, so it's integration is obviously going to be a lot more complex than previous gen BVRAAMs that had a 1-way datalink.
Given the delays, I think it was the wrong decision to make all 83 Mk1a be fitted with ELTA-2052
We should have capped it at 40, inducted these with just Derby & progressively upgrade them to be compliant with Astra. This *was* the original plan
Starting 41, it should have been with Uttam
a) This is eminently feasible, timeline wise. Uttam is ready and working with an Indian vendor will make debugging cycles fast
b) Would have lit a fire under Israeli ass to cooperate
c) More Uttam orders
But HAL, in its infinite wisdom, changed track and said they will do all 83 with 2052 to comply with timelines (LOL). But those very timelines are what are being impacted now
Of course, Rajnath Singh should have played his part too - to arm-twist IAF into accepting Tejas-Mk1a with Derby, with Astra integration later on. The IAF has done far worse with imported platforms
https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1985527222250426485
@AdithyaKM_
DRDO is flight-testing Swayam Raksha Kavach (SRK) EW suite for Tejas Mk1A
- Development of SRK began in 2021
- DRDO has updated its older D-29 EW suite for MiG-29
https://x.com/manojzxc/status/1985614452381925493
@manojzxc
How HAL nurturing of Tejas MK1A private ecosystem is now propelling AMCA & TEDBF program.
To all those who hate HAL blindly for Tejas delays , should see this.
