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In a significant move to sharpen its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is advancing a plan to acquire 56 Internal Radar Warner Jammer (RWJ) pods for its fleet of Jaguar DARIN-III strike aircraft.
This procurement, estimated to cost several hundred crores, is aimed at equipping the veteran fighters to counter the growing threat posed by advanced stealth aircraft and sophisticated radar systems being operated by China and Pakistan.
The SEPECAT Jaguar, a ground-attack aircraft known for its low-level deep penetration strike capabilities, has been a vital asset for the IAF for over four decades.
As India is now the sole global operator of this aircraft, it has invested heavily in keeping the fleet modern and combat-ready.
The acquisition of these jammer pods, which will include ground support and maintenance equipment, represents the next critical phase in ensuring the Jaguar's operational relevance in a technologically advanced battlefield.
This initiative is part of the broader Display Attack Ranging Inertial Navigation-III (DARIN-III) upgrade program, spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
This comprehensive modernization has already equipped the Jaguars with a new open-architecture mission computer, multi-functional displays, and the advanced Israeli Elta EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
These upgrades have extended the airframe's life beyond 2035, but the primary driver for the new jammer pods is the need for robust electronic countermeasures against emerging regional threats, such as China's J-20 stealth fighter and Pakistan's planned induction of the Chinese FC-31 stealth aircraft.
Electronic warfare involves using the electromagnetic spectrum to disrupt an enemy's ability to use their radar and communication systems.
The new RWJ pods are essential for active electronic countermeasures, where the aircraft must jam enemy radar signals to penetrate heavily defended airspace and survive attacks.
According to the specifications laid out by the IAF, the new pods must provide comprehensive electronic defence. They are required to feature:
- Advanced Radar Detection: A broadband Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) capable of detecting a wide spectrum of radar frequencies (1-40 GHz). This allows the pilot to be alerted to various threats, from ground-based surveillance radars to the fire-control radars on enemy aircraft and missiles.
- Sophisticated Jamming: The ability to generate powerful jamming signals in the 5-18 GHz band. The system must employ advanced techniques like Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM), a smart technology that can record, manipulate, and re-transmit enemy radar signals to create multiple false targets, thereby confusing and deceiving enemy air defence systems.
- Seamless Integration: The pod must integrate flawlessly with the Jaguar's existing DARIN-III avionics, including its mission computer and displays, without placing limitations on the aircraft's flight performance. Maintaining the Jaguar’s signature high-speed, low-altitude agility is a crucial requirement.
By equipping its trusted Jaguar fleet with these state-of-the-art jammers, the IAF aims to create a potent electronic shield, ensuring the aircraft can continue to serve as a formidable strike platform capable of surviving and succeeding in future conflicts.
