Air Force Tejas Mk1A: News & Discussions: 02 January 2022

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/AXISCADES/status/2020808686181208295?s=20 ---> We are proud to announce a new win in the Defence division by our subsidiary @MistralSoln, a leader in high-performance embedded systems and defence electronics – an order valued at approximately ₹80 crore under the prestigious LCA Mk1A programme of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This strategic win underscores AXISCADES Group’s strong commitment to the indigenisation of advanced avionics systems. Under this programme, Mistral Solutions will supply electronic hardware for the following critical subsystems, further strengthening its long-standing partnership with the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and HAL:

* Mission Computer
* Smart Multifunction Display

All systems will be manufactured and delivered from AXISCADES’ newly commissioned DAL (Devanahalli Atmanirbhar Complex) facility located at the Bangalore Aerospace Park, near Kempegowda International Airport. Commenting on the development, Mr. C. Manikandan, CEO, Mistral Solutions Private Limited, said: “This programme win reflects the AXISCADES Group’s continued commitment to defence indigenisation and the ‘Make in India’ initiative. We believe this opportunity positions us strongly for participation in upcoming defence programmes.”

[A_Gupta]

> Keep in mind that IAF paid USD 1.3-1.7 billion for some changes to just 36 Rafales, yet accepted deliveries without them. That's around 36-47 million per aircraft on top of the exorbitant price of the air frame.

AFAIK, distinguish between the contracted price and when the payments were made. We are also told "The IAF prioritized rapid induction of Rafales in their standard French configuration to fill squadron gaps." "India chose to get the jets operational first, and then layer on enhancements over time." And in a YouTube previously posted, ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRF26Alzwlo ), excerpt from the transcript- Former IAF fighter pilot Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat and Consulting Editor Swasti Rao )

But I can tell you there were uh two main reasons for delay. You know when we bought this aircraft from France and said source code we not sharing the source code. So any enhancement we had to tell them okay get this thing done. They said fair we'll do it. This is the money we'll charge. This is the time we'll need with the aeroplanes. So give us the money and hand over the aeroplanes. With the Rafale being inducted, scorn being raised, there were some delays, you know, hesitation on part of AP force to hand over both airframes. They said start with one and keep moving and there were also a little bit of delay in the making payments.

Okay. But by 2023, all ISEs were in place, right? I'm glad you made this point. Because you know there's also a lot of disinformation around the issue of source code itself. Now I think a lot of people in India perhaps don't realize is that and I'm sure you would allude to it. you know please tell me if it is wrong. if I'm uh wrong that I don't think the air force particularly has a problem with the saw not sharing source code because you know as long as the so is really okay with India specific enhancements they don't want the source code and I why I tell you this is because you know recently uh in the Emirati experience it was the same they wanted some uh of their own uh sort of you know specific country specific enhancements and they were very quick to go ahead with it because the payments were very quick. So this how APOS looks at it. It's the access to source code is nice to have but it's not a deal breaker.

[uddu]

Cross posting from missile forum
DRDO Set to Clear Astra Mk2 for Production with Enhanced 220km Range, Poised to Become IAF's Primary BVRAAM
https://defence.in/threads/drdo-set-to- ... aam.16881/

(DRDO) is preparing to issue production clearance for the Astra Mk2 air-to-air missile later this year.

the missile has demonstrated capabilities far superior to its original design parameters.

it can effectively engage threats at a range of approximately 220 km.

According to defence sources, the missile is being integrated onto a wide variety of aircraft, including the Russian-origin Su-30MKI and MiG-29, as well as the indigenous Tejas Mk1A and the French-origin Rafale.

Reflecting the missile's central role in future air operations, the IAF is projected to place one of the largest single orders for air-to-air missiles in its history.

Sources suggest that the total requirement could exceed 500 units once formal clearance is granted.

The DRDO is scheduled to conduct firing trials of the Astra Mk2 from the Tejas Mk1A fighter later this year, which is a prerequisite for final operational clearance.

Simultaneously, work is progressing to integrate the missile with the Rafale fleet. Successful integration on the Rafale would be a landmark achievement, proving India’s ability to network indigenous weaponry with sophisticated foreign avionics.

Furthermore, the missile is being adapted for the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fighters, expanding its operational footprint to carrier-based maritime aviation.