Tejas Preps for Next-Gen Arsenal: Astra MkIII, BrahMos-NG, Tara Smart Munitions, and Beyond

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a bold step to transform its indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) into a more potent adversary.

Through a collaborative effort with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the IAF's Software Development Institute (SDI) will lead the charge in integrating a suite of advanced weapon systems into the latest Tejas Mk1A fighter.

A Powerful Arsenal in the Works​

The planned weapon upgrades for the Tejas offer a glimpse into India's air combat ambitions. Among the potential additions are:

• Astra Mk-III: This beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), with a projected range of over 300km, would significantly extend the Tejas' engagement envelope.
• Tara Smart Munitions: These precision-guided munitions, offered in 250kg, 450kg, and 500kg variants, would enhance the Tejas' strike capabilities against various ground targets.
• Rudram and Rudram-II Missiles: Specializing in anti-radiation and air-to-surface roles, these missiles target enemy air defenses and ground installations, making them valuable for suppression or destruction missions.
• BrahMos-NG: A smaller, lighter version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the BrahMos-NG would substantially boost the Tejas' standoff strike potential.

These weapons, if successfully integrated, would significantly increase the lethality and versatility of the Tejas platform.

Self-Reliance and SDI's Critical Role​

The IAF's decision to entrust the integration process to its own Software Development Institute is noteworthy. This move indicates a greater emphasis on self-reliance in defence technology.

The SDI will oversee testing, software updates, and the fine-tuning necessary to make these weapons fully compatible with the Tejas' systems. This in-house approach could accelerate the integration timeline compared to relying solely on external vendors.

The Tejas Factor​

This weapons upgrade program underscores the growing importance of the Tejas fighter within the IAF's force structure.

The commitment to 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, alongside the potential expansion to a fleet exceeding 200 fighters, represents a strong endorsement of the platform's capabilities.

The advanced weapons integration spearheaded by the SDI will further bolster the aircraft's role in India's air defence strategies, especially as they will also be part of the planned Tejas MkII fighters weapons package.

Takeaways​

The Tejas weapon integration initiative marks a significant milestone in India's push to become a major aerospace power.

By developing advanced weaponry and asserting greater control over the integration process, the IAF is positioning itself for enhanced responsiveness and a reduced reliance on foreign defence contractors in a complex geopolitical environment.

 

[Pink Panther]

That would be really great, hope HAL makes Tejas before that time to fit these missiles, otherwise we have to try fitting these missiles in foreign fighter jets.

 

[bonito]

So at last not believing HAL, IAF has itself taken charge of development. Good news

 

[NSR]

Great news guys.
Like I wrote many times that Tejas IA and Tejas Mk2 flying 20 to 30 kms inside Indian territory with Astra Mk I, II, III will keep two enemies at least 220+ kms away from Indian borders.

Brahmos NG and Rudrams will endanger all of enemy assets within 300+ kms.

Finally, recalcitrant and tantrum prone IAF is coming on board and a clear path is now visible.
Only thing is to execute the projects. Can HAL do it?
As I understand HAL will deliver only 3 this year and possibly 16 in 2025. Very lethargic way considering FOC was complete long time ago.

At least HAL should do AESA and some avionics upgrades to all of Tejas Mk 1s and deliver them so they can be put to work.

Way to go!!!

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Astra Mk3, Rudram, Brahmos NG- Yeh sab lagaogey kahan, uncle?

@ the rate of 2 Tejas per year that HAL can actually deliver, pipeline ka samaan pipe me hi rah jayega.

If IAF really wants things to improve, it should either push government to privatize HAL, or split order with a private integrator to assemble and deliver Tejas independently of HAL, to balance production and generate redundancy in assembly.

 

[neil]

I just read the phrase "IAFs growing reliance on Tejas.." and rolled my eyes. Which "growing reliance" are they even talking about? There's hardly any Tejas out there in first place? How can you rely on planes which are not existing yet?

 

[Ashutosh]

Ok everything comes much later- first priority is to convince those HAL mofos to do the work - like c'mon man, what's the use of boasting we can deliver 16-24-32 LCA per year. They have been sleeping and eating from the last Su 30 delivery. CB Anantkrishan shall be fired.

 

[Anil Kumar]

HAL pipe line has choked. They should not fill more items in their pipe otherwise their pipe will burst. It's 33 mk1 have operational till date not 36. Pakistan has produced 16 JF17 in 2015 and currently it can produce 25 JF17 annually. Comparing to Pakistan where are HAL in mk1 production annually currently

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Tejas or its missiles failed to hit targets ! Blame game will start soon HAL will blame Missile makers and visa versa like Jabalpur gun factory Vs BDL blame game ! ADA should hire Dassault to make upgraded Tejas powered by 90-95 KN engine attaining Mac 2.25 speed, strengthen airframe to carry two BrahMos NG missiles and increased combat radius and store 4.50 ton weapons !

 

[Superpower Bharat]

HAL pipe line has choked. They should not fill more items in their pipe otherwise their pipe will burst. It's 33 mk1 have operational till date not 36. Pakistan has produced 16 JF17 in 2015 and currently it can produce 25 JF17 annually. Comparing to Pakistan where are HAL in mk1 production annually currently

32 Mk1 and 4 Trainer..

 

[Anil Kumar]

32 Mk1 and 4 Trainer..

No only 1 LCA trainer have delivered by HAL so far

 

[Bala]

So at last not believing HAL, IAF has itself taken charge of development. Good news

Painting can only be done if there is a wall...

 

[Pad UwU]

Okay let's wait until it's already deployable and ready for war😺

 

[Xi the pooh]

we already have Astra mk3!!! Astra series developing pretty fast and amazing.

 

[Ashutosh]

Tejas or its missiles failed to hit targets ! Blame game will start soon HAL will blame Missile makers and visa versa like Jabalpur gun factory Vs BDL blame game ! ADA should hire Dassault to make upgraded Tejas powered by 90-95 KN engine attaining Mac 2.25 speed, strengthen airframe to carry two BrahMos NG missiles and increased combat radius and store 4.50 ton weapons !

Yeah instead of the rusty R73 E, one shall blame Tejas. Well never expected sense from u

 

[Out_for_vendetta]

What are Tara smar series ammunition ?

 

[kumar]

Tejas or its missiles failed to hit targets ! Blame game will start soon HAL will blame Missile makers and visa versa like Jabalpur gun factory Vs BDL blame game ! ADA should hire Dassault to make upgraded Tejas powered by 90-95 KN engine attaining Mac 2.25 speed, strengthen airframe to carry two BrahMos NG missiles and increased combat radius and store 4.50 ton weapons !

Sometimes u need to use ur brain for a change.

 

[Ajath]

Sometimes u need to use ur brain for a change.

You are expecting something which he never bothered to use.

 

[Sandeep]

What are Tara smar series ammunition ?

They are an indigenous precision guided bombs. Similar to SPICE series of bombs but ours will be an indigenous add on kit with advanced features to make it more accurate. It will be nice to know when they complete all of the tests and trials from the HSLD and glide bombs that are being used to increase its accuracy even more. We will have these kits to increase the range of the bomb so we can launch them from safety within our borders if needed.

 

[Frank]

FOCUS ON GLIDE BOMS...

RUSSIA AND ISREAL IS HEAVILY USING GLIDE BOMBS IN REPECTIVE WAR..