Indigenous Tejas Mk-1A set for critical September trials with Astra, ASRAAM, and Hammer weapon systems

India's domestically developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the Tejas Mk-1A, is scheduled to undergo a crucial phase of full weapons integration trials this month.

Following the positive results from earlier limited tests, this next stage will involve firing a range of advanced missiles, including the indigenous Astra and the British ASRAAM, which are critical for validating the aircraft's combat systems.

The Tejas Mk-1A is a significantly upgraded version of the original Tejas fighter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

This advanced variant features over 40 major improvements, including enhanced avionics, a more capable electronic warfare system for self-protection, and superior targeting abilities.

A key upgrade is the integration of the Israeli ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which dramatically improves the pilot's situational awareness and the aircraft's effectiveness in modern aerial combat.

The upcoming trials will test the aircraft's ability to fire the Astra, an Indian-made Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile developed by the DRDO, which allows pilots to engage enemy aircraft from a safe distance.

Also part of the tests is the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), a highly agile weapon designed for close-quarters dogfights.

Furthermore, the trials are expected to include the French-origin Hammer precision-guided munition, a weapon that will provide the Tejas with a formidable air-to-ground strike capability.

Central to the Tejas Mk-1A's enhanced performance is the ELM-2052 AESA radar. Unlike older, mechanically-scanned radars, an AESA system can track multiple targets simultaneously with greater accuracy and is more resistant to electronic jamming by an adversary.

The successful firing of the missiles will confirm that the advanced radar is perfectly synchronized with the aircraft's fire control computer and its diverse weapon packages, a critical step for operational deployment.

These weapons trials represent a major milestone in making the Tejas Mk-1A fully operational for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF currently operates with a fighter squadron strength below its sanctioned requirement, and the induction of the Tejas Mk-1A is vital to bridging this gap.

Once equipped with its full suite of advanced radar and missile systems, the aircraft will serve as a potent multi-role fighter, capable of performing air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions, thereby significantly boosting India's air defence capabilities.

 

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[sanket]

A few days ago I said Tejas MK1A delivery would be in October 2025. Instead of ASRAAM, the Tejas MK1A should be integrated with the world's deadly CCM/WVR Python-5.

Second, the IAF should press for a specific variant/customized development of HAMMER-ER with a range of over 200 km, from the current HAMMER with a range of just 70 km, which is very short compared to SPICE-ER, which has over 150 km plus range. Either it should be a standard integration of munition with commonality on all platforms, which will save supply chain costs as well as logistic training. The IAF should make uniform weapons/munition across its fighter fleet. With economies of scale, it will save cost.

HAMMER-ER (200 km plus) with a local production line, SPICE-ER will not be integrated on the Rafale platform by Dassault as they themselves will promote their own weapon package. It would be better to have a uniform weapon package across all fighter jets instead of different munition for different platforms. The IAF should press for the development of HAMMER munition with extended range that will benefit.

 

[Hari Sud]

These integration will make Mk1A formidable with no match in the neighbourhood.

 

[SandeepGupta]

16 Bit ADC Resolution Dhruti DR 118 Ku K Ka Band instead of 12 Bit ADC Resolution J Ku K Band will help in firing any kind of missile even in rainy season day and night except snow for snow 50% see through capacity and from any aircraft as it will become a secondary Radar say better than AESA radar. Israeli AESA see through Snow 75% while Uttam AESA has 50% see through Snow capacity can be enhanced to 98% with the help from Friend or Foe Equipment as upgrade suggested.

 

[SandeepGupta]

Uttam AESA improved as it's clone given to see through 98% through Snow. Clone of Uttam AESA can lock on to 1 square metres fighter Sized target from 500 Kms as understated.