HAL Prepares for Astra Mk1 Missile Integration on Tejas Mk1A as ELM-2052 AESA Radar Completes Testing

India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, successfully completing testing of the ELTA ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This advanced radar system is a key upgrade for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), promising to greatly enhance its combat capabilities.

The ELM-2052 AESA radar, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries' ELTA Systems, is renowned for its superior performance in various operational scenarios. Its integration into the Tejas Mk1A involved rigorous testing to ensure seamless compatibility with the aircraft's upgraded avionics and weapon systems. This successful integration marks a crucial step towards enhancing the Tejas Mk1A's overall combat effectiveness.

In parallel with the radar testing, HAL is also working on integrating the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) onto the Tejas Mk1A platform. This indigenous missile is expected to undergo test firing soon, further bolstering the aircraft's armament. The Astra Mk1 is designed to provide enhanced range and accuracy, crucial for achieving air superiority in combat.

The Astra Mk1 has already proven its capabilities in combat scenarios, having been successfully fired from the earlier Tejas Mk1 variant equipped with the ELTA ELM-2032 Multi-Mode Radar (MMR). This prior integration provided valuable data and experience, paving the way for planned revalidation trials of the Astra Mk1 on the Tejas Mk1A. These trials, anticipated in the coming weeks, will ensure optimal performance of the missile with the new AESA radar system before the aircraft is delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The successful integration of the ELM-2052 AESA radar and the upcoming Astra Mk1 integration represent major advancements for the Tejas program. These developments underscore India's commitment to strengthening its indigenous defence capabilities and achieving self-reliance in the aerospace sector. The Tejas Mk1A, with its enhanced radar and weapon systems, is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding India's skies.

 

[sanket]

Good news, but there is no Astra MK1A missile, it's Astra MK1. It is going to be test-fired in the coming weeks from Tejas MK1A, that means before the GE-404 engine is going to arrive or after integrating the new engine.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Waiting for uttam to complete its testing.

 

[Arin Kumar]

What about the Uttam Radar?! We have been hearing songs of the Uttam Radar for Tejas for the last decade - now we have to purchase the Israeli radar?

I read many reports where it said Uttam Radar was tested in flying condition also. So why not go with Uttam Radar?

 

[Nvs rao]

Radar integration test 5 years, Astra Mk-1 tests another 10 years, then F-414 contract finalization another 20 years, then testing with the same engine for another 20 years. Overall we get the Mk-1A at least in the year 2100. Very near future to our IAF.

This is the saga hearing since 10 years of the plight of Indian defence planning by our esteemed government.

 

[prabar]

China is flying 6th gen prototype, we are still testing 4th gen radar... Uttam is nowhere to be seen.

 

[Diganta Ghosh]

So, there was software integration delays also by HAL, it got overshadowed by the engine problem.

 

[beencensured]

China is flying 6th gen prototype, we are still testing 4th gen radar... Uttam is nowhere to be seen.

Uttam is already tested and has gone for production. The people of HAL love their commission and defective foreign maal and so have wasted time with Israeli radar.

 

[Foxbat]

Radar integration test 5 years, Astra Mk-1 tests another 10 years, then F-414 contract finalization another 20 years, then testing with the same engine for another 20 years. Overall we get the Mk-1A at least in the year 2100. Very near future to our IAF.

This is the saga hearing since 10 years of the plight of Indian defence planning by our esteemed government.

😄😄😄😄😄......very true I can't agree more with you. It is really very frustrating and disappointing to see our Indian defence ministry contractors are entangled in a mess which either will take several years to get it right or we will be left behind with china, turkey, South Korea and pakistan taking the lead by leaps and bounds. It seems to be there is no foresight in the long run, good planning very much ahead and commitment in working towards that goal. If India does not get the AMCA first flight up to the sky according HAL's optimistic timeline then we will become the laughing stock.