Philippines Eyes Naval Tejas with Customized Features

India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Philippine Aerospace Development Corp (PADC) are engaged in a groundbreaking initiative to customize India's LCA-Tejas Mk1A multi-role fighter aircraft for naval strike missions.

This development marks a strategic shift in the Philippines' approach to maritime defence, signaling a focus on versatile and technologically advanced assets to counter growing regional challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

The Customized Tejas: A Naval Powerhouse​

The Tejas Mk1A, already a potent force in the Indian Air Force (IAF), is poised for a maritime transformation. Key to this adaptation is the integration of India's indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Medium Range (NASM-MR).

This precision weapon system will provide exceptional maritime strike capabilities and enhance situational awareness in contested waters.

Furthermore, plans to arm the naval Tejas variant with the BrahMos-NG Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) would make the aircraft a formidable dual-role asset.

The BrahMos-NG ALCM's ability to strike both land and sea-based targets offers the Philippines a powerful deterrent against a range of maritime threats – particularly with China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

HAL's customization goes beyond weapons. The inclusion of an optimized radar designed specifically to enhance the detection and tracking of sea-based targets underscores the commitment to ensuring the Tejas Mk1A thrives within the unique demands of a maritime environment.

Why the Philippines Needs a Naval Tejas​

The Philippines' decision to adopt a naval Tejas aligns with the urgent need to upgrade its maritime defence capabilities. The limitations of its existing platforms, such as the FA-50PH light attack aircraft, highlight a need for adaptable assets.

The Tejas Mk1A's versatility and potential armament provide the Philippines with a tool to assert its territorial rights and defend its maritime interests with greater potency.

Strengthening Ties, Bolstering Regional Security​

This collaboration with India not only bolsters the Philippine Air Force but also represents a broader strategic partnership with a rising player in the Indo-Pacific.

India and the Philippines share a common desire for regional stability and the rule of law in the face of growing maritime challenges. The naval Tejas program acts as a symbol of this cooperation, aiming to strengthen security networks across the region.

Conclusion​

The development of a naval-optimized Tejas Mk1A marks a turning point in the Philippines' maritime strategy.

By leveraging Indian technology, the Philippines gains a capable, customizable weapons platform that can meet the specific operational needs within the complex theater of the South China Sea.

This collaboration also highlights the growing strategic importance of India as a defence partner and the evolving nature of regional power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

HAL hai, toh na-mumkin hai.

 

[Abhijeet Darade]

pehale ....khud keliye banawooooooo

 

[Pink Panther]

Let HAL’s dream come true 🤔😴💤

 

[Kira]

HAL can't even supply the IAF,where do they get the idea of exporting?

 

[Varaaah]

pehale ....khud keliye banawooooooo

IAF videshi maal chaahtaa hai.

 

[Ashutosh]

The way things are going, I won't be surprised if Gripen E is chosen.

Tejas currently fires no antiship missile- & both indigenous ones mentioned are still in development and far from deployment.

Integrate something else as stop-gap.

 

[Varaaah]

Remember HAL, foreign armed forces are not as patient as the Indian forces, so you have to keep to the deadlines.

 

[Superpower Bharat]

In my opinion HAL must concentrate Indian requirements in this decade.. many things in the pipe line and no PVT companies will come to rescue.. In next decade when everything will be streamline then only push hard for export. In this decade push for Helicopter export. Made LCH more deadly..

 

[Rajsn]

Poor Philippines

 

[பாலா குப்புசாமி]

Really amazing

 

[Anant]

HAL hai, toh na-mumkin hai.

Also "HAL hai, na-mumkin hai".

 

[Anant]

IAF videshi maal chaahtaa hai.

Elaborate. Which indigenous program that meets the set specifications has been rejected by the IAF in favour of a foreign system?

 

[Danesh Irani]

This development might be a good experience for us to use them from all four new bases two each in Andaman and Nicobar alongwith Lakshadweep and Minicoy we need them too.
But most importantly how can we speed up the GE engine production rate alongwith our own production capacity this should be our focus.

 

[Defense Analyst]

Also "HAL hai, na-mumkin hai".

Naval LCA was rejected by IN as underweight And tedbf still on paper

 

[Anant]

Naval LCA was rejected by IN as underweight And tedbf still on paper

Arey bhai, I wrote what I wrote in sarcasm. "Na-mumkin" as in impossible, and not "Na-mumkin" as in "therefore, possible".

As for the Tejas Mk 1A, the Navy's rejection was also based on aircraft operations. The problem with STOBAR operations is that a light fighter with a heavy weapon such as the BrahMos may have to compromise on other payloads and/or fuel. They can be flown from shore bases without any issues, just as IAF Tejas aircraft can be.

Since the Philippines doesn't operate any carriers, and won't do so for quite a while, the naval strike proposal Tejas makes some sense. However, there is obviously the fact of the absolutely glacial production rates that HAL has delivered.

 

[Anant]

This development might be a good experience for us to use them from all four new bases two each in Andaman and Nicobar alongwith Lakshadweep and Minicoy we need them too.
But most importantly how can we speed up the GE engine production rate alongwith our own production capacity this should be our focus.

We can't speed up the GE production cycle other than continue to insist on a greater outflow. The entire line is in the USA, and GE has said it will take them 12-18 months to speed it back up.

 

[Neel Martin]

On Odd Days News

HAL OFFERS MK1 TO ARGENTINA
HAL OFFERS ADVANCED TEJAS TO PHILIPPINES
HAL PRODUCTION CAPABLE OF MAKING 300 TEJAS per YEAR says HAL chairman
MANY COUNTRIES ARE INTERESTED TO BuY ADVANCED HAL FROM INDIA by Kadi Ninda minister

On Even Days

America pushes for F21 to India.
America offers India it s latest F16 with in house manufacturing facilities.
GE engine deal is in advanced stage of transfer.
Indigenous Gtx got back fire problems hence will be on back burner.

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

HAL sends out offers only on the days they havent taken their daily dose of medication.
Kuch to sharm kar aur sudhar jha.desh ka beizzati mat kar.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

The way things are going, I won't be surprised if Gripen E is chosen.

Tejas currently fires no antiship missile- & both indigenous ones mentioned are still in development and far from deployment.

Integrate something else as stop-gap.

dude, if the deal is signed today, deliveries wont start for 3 years at least. that is enough time to develop NASM, and few years after that brahmos NG. Gripen is too expensive for philipines and the ordnance for gripen is also much more expensive than Indian missiles.

Most important factor is that India and philipines have common problem with china. So, both countries want strong defence ties. What if in a future conflict with china, sweden gets cold feet and refuses to supply parts and weapons to philipines. European countries are notorious for pulling these stunts. India, will donate stuff to philipines in conflict with china if philipines cant afford it, because it is in India's interest to destroy china's ships.