HAL and Saab Partner to Produce Laser Warning Systems LWS-310 in India

In a significant move for India's indigenous defence manufacturing ambitions, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Swedish defence company Saab have joined forces to produce the Electronic Warfare Laser Warning System-310 (LWS-310) in India.

This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was announced during Aero India 2025 and builds upon a long-standing collaboration between the two companies that began in 2005 with the Advanced Light Helicopter Programme.

The agreement includes a Maintenance Transfer of Technology (ToT) in line with India's defence procurement procedures. This means HAL will gain the capability to manufacture the LWS-310 domestically, with Saab providing essential support through infrastructure development, training programs, and technical expertise. This initiative not only ensures long-term support for the Indian Armed Forces but also significantly boosts local defence production, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative.

Mats Palmberg, Chairman & Managing Director of Saab India, emphasized the company's commitment to localization and indigenization in India, stating that this partnership ensures the long-term security of supply for the Indian Armed Forces.

The LWS-310 is a crucial asset for modern defence, providing rapid threat warning and classification for combat vehicles against laser threats. By enhancing situational awareness and self-protection capabilities, this system will play a vital role in modernizing India's defence infrastructure.

It integrates seamlessly with various platforms, including the Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) for aircraft, the Land Electronic Defence Systems (LEDS) for vehicles, and the Naval Laser Warning System (NLWS) for maritime platforms.

This collaboration is not Saab's first foray into the Indian defence market. Saab has been a prominent participant in Aero India 2025, showcasing a range of advanced defence solutions including the Gripen fighter aircraft, the RBS 70 NG man-portable air defence system, and the Carl-Gustaf M4 multi-role weapon system, all highlighting the potential for co-production and technology transfer to India.

Saab also displayed its AT4 anti-tank weapon and Giraffe 1X radar, further demonstrating its commitment to strengthening India's air defence and ground combat capabilities. The company has reiterated its willingness to establish local production facilities in India, aligning with the country's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative.

 

[SURESH RAO]

HAL has built three Mk-1A fighters and flew them with 'Category B' (reserve) engines at the airshow 2025. The aircraft are fully ready in hardware - equipped with a more capable radar, the jammer is there, the electronic warfare suite is there, it has a new mission computer and a smart multi-function display. All the stuff that has been promised is there and fully integrated. Now in the final stages of firing the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile in the next 15 days.

The rest of the hardware and software is the same as in the LCA Mk-1, which the IAF has already inducted, he added.

 

[PKPRS]

Something 🐟🐠🐡🎏, Gripen-E?

 

[Dredd]

Something 🐟🐠🐡🎏, Gripen-E?

Gripen E is sadly a gone case, India should have gone with it in 2014 and india wouldn't have to face the funds crunch and number crunch both now.

 

[PKPRS]

Gripen E is sadly a gone case, India should have gone with it in 2014 and india wouldn't have to face the funds crunch and number crunch both now.

we still need 6-8 squadrons of 4.5 gen jets until MK2 becomes available, not one MK1A has been delivered yet, they have to make close to 180 MK1A, who knows how long that’s going to take, so we have to make either Gripen-E or F16/21 or SU-75 if it is rolled out soon, We won’t buy SU-35, other twin engine 4.5 gen options are super expensive and not worthy to spend that kind of money for a 4th gen tech, we could make 200+ F35 and just skip MK2, but the operational cost to maintain 200+ F35 will be super high.

 

[Dredd]

we still need 6-8 squadrons of 4.5 gen jets until MK2 becomes available, not one MK1A has been delivered yet, they have to make close to 180 MK1A, who knows how long that’s going to take, so we have to make either Gripen-E or F16/21 or SU-75 if it is rolled out soon, We won’t buy SU-35, other twin engine 4.5 gen options are super expensive and not worthy to spend that kind of money for a 4th gen tech, we could make 200+ F35 and just skip MK2, but the operational cost to maintain 200+ F35 will be super high.

Sadly, I don't see MRCA going anywhere if we are going with only two squadrons of F-35s in the G2G model. MRCA is dead and will only be feasible if somehow we can get the F-35 as "Make in India." The MoD simply doesn't have the money to procure 36 F-35s and 100+ MRCAs (Rafale/F-15EX).

 

[PKPRS]

Sadly, I don't see MRCA going anywhere if we are going with only two squadrons of F-35s in the G2G model. MRCA is dead and will only be feasible if somehow we can get the F-35 as "Make in India." The MoD simply doesn't have the money to procure 36 F-35s and 100+ MRCAs (Rafale/F-15EX).

I don't think there are any talks with Boeing currently for F15; we can only afford 36 F-35 at the most.

 

[Sandeep]

This LWS 310 has been installed on our Dhruv and Rudra series of helicopters after ToT and local manufacturing.

For the Prachand armed helicopters we are using our own 100% indigenous LWS and we will eventually replace the Swedish LWS which is the best option in the long term.

 

[Drhaze]

Something 🐟🐠🐡🎏, Gripen-E?

Everyone are offering something sweet because mrfa just got reignited. Idk if it's our geopolitical monkey balance or geopolitical mujra.