Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jet Showcased with New Dual ASRAAM Missile Pylon Integration, Promising Superior Performance in Dogfight Scenarios

The Indian Air Force's Tejas Mk1A fighter jet was recently displayed at Aero India 2025, featuring a new dual pylon configuration for the ASRAAM Close Combat Missile (CCM). This enhancement signifies a major advancement in the Tejas Mk1A's weapon integration capabilities, further bolstering its operational potential.

Developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the new dual pylon configuration significantly improves the Tejas Mk1A's weapons flexibility. This configuration, designed to optimize the aircraft's strike capabilities, allows for the mounting of two ASRAAM missiles, primarily used for close-range combat.

Strategically positioned on weapon station 6 (outboard) on the wing, the dual pylon is engineered to support the weight and functionality of the ASRAAM missiles. Each missile weighs approximately 88 kg, and the pylon can accommodate a total load of 310 kg, including two ASRAAMs.

According to HAL, the dual pylon system is currently undergoing in-flight testing as part of the integration and validation process. Successful completion of these tests will lead to operational clearance, enabling the Tejas Mk1A to be deployed with enhanced close-combat capabilities.

The integration of the dual pylon ASRAAM CCM marks a significant upgrade for the Tejas Mk1A, considerably improving its ability to engage aerial threats at close range.

Designed for high-speed, high-maneuverability engagements, ASRAAM missiles are ideal for intercepting and neutralizing enemy aircraft in dogfight scenarios.

With the dual pylon, the Tejas Mk1A can now carry two ASRAAMs on a single pylon, increasing its weapon payload and reducing the time needed to engage multiple targets. This upgrade is expected to give the Tejas Mk1A a considerable advantage in aerial combat situations.

 

[tlsmani]

However effective it may sound we don't have enough number of modern fighters.Even with existing orders delivery is a mirage.

 

[Phantom]

That’s great, triple launcher like in F16 would have been even better.

 

[sanket]

Wow! That's great job done by HAL, bad time for naysayers. That's the difference HAL is making. If the testing is completed before the GE-404 engine arriving, it would be a good addition. Tejas is becoming a more deadly potent fighter jet, hope similar dual pylon for BVR too. Can Python-5 carried with same dual pylon?

 

[sanket]

That’s great, triple launcher like in F16 would have been even better.

In future, once the dual pylon is validated, HAL can start work on the design and manufacturing of a triple launcher pylon.

 

[P.K Senapati]

India is capable of making CCM. Why not have indigenous short-range missiles? I understand these missiles are now being imported from MBDA of UK.

 

[sanket]

India is capable of making CCM. Why not have indigenous short-range missiles? I understand these missiles are now being imported from MBDA of UK.

ASRAAM are not imported from MBDA UK. These are manufactured by BDL in Bharat under licence.

 

[Dredd]

India is capable of making CCM. Why not have indigenous short-range missiles? I understand these missiles are now being imported from MBDA of UK.

These are locally made with a license from MBDA. We also have Astra CCM in the works.

 

[beencensured]

Wow! That's great job done by HAL, bad time for naysayers. That's the difference HAL is making. If the testing is completed before the GE-404 engine arriving, it would be a good addition. Tejas is becoming a more deadly potent fighter jet, hope similar dual pylon for BVR too. Can Python-5 carried with same dual pylon?

But then what about the Astra Mk1 at 154kg, it should fit too. But only dreaming of foreign (aircraft).

 

[vickram 007]

Why can't it have two dual racks on WS 3 and 6? Frees up 1, 2, and 3 for Astra and 7 for a jammer pod. Will be a potent point-to-point interceptor.

 

[Anant]

But then what about the Astra Mk1 at 154kg, it should fit too. But only dreaming of foreign (aircraft).

Um, it already does? We have even tested the Astra Mk 1 from a Tejas? What exactly is your point? Please do note that the Astra Mk 1is a BVRAAM, while the ASRAAM is a CCM.

We haven't yet managed to develop an indigenous CCM yet (a shame, really, because we should have done so already).

 

[beencensured]

Um, it already does? We have even tested the Astra Mk 1 from a Tejas? What exactly is your point? Please do note that the Astra Mk 1is a BVRAAM, while the ASRAAM is a CCM.

We haven't yet managed to develop an indigenous CCM yet (a shame, really, because we should have done so already).

Some would think BVR are also important, but then those like you seed doubts. Obviously it has been years since the test firing of Astra from Tejas. Further, using BVR is safer than CCM/WVR, which India also has: Israeli Python and Russian missiles like R-73. Why is it safer? As Tejas has a lower RCS and small size, it gets higher first-shot capability, whereas WVR/CCM have more risk.

 

[Anant]

Some would think BVR are also important, but then those like you seed doubts. Obviously it has been years since the test firing of Astra from Tejas. Further, using BVR is safer than CCM/WVR, which India also has: Israeli Python and Russian missiles like R-73. Why is it safer? As Tejas has a lower RCS and small size, it gets higher first-shot capability, whereas WVR/CCM have more risk.

Um, nope. Firstly, the Astra Mk 1 was tested from the Tejas back in August 2023, and a live firing is planned for April or May. Secondly, I never said BVR isn't important, or that CCM isn't important. Both have their uses and their operational necessities. I was not wrong either in stating that we have not developed an indigenous WVRAAM / CCM yet. Personally, I feel that should have done by now. Therefore, please do not put words into my mouth.

 

[Rajesh]

Dual pylons, if capable enough to carry a CCM and an ASJP pod on one side and a CCM along with an IRST pod on another side, would give the jet enough capabilities than the present configuration. We should also work on dual pylons and triple rack pylons capable enough to carry pure BVR missiles like Astra Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3, considering we will also have other jets coming sometime in the distant future.

 

[sumeet biswas]

Why can't we have a dual pylon in the middle rack? The JF-17 already has it for two BVR missiles in one rack.

 

[Pad UwU]

We need to buy more of this bad boy from British technology and ask if we can do a JV (joint venture) of manufacturing it to lower its price even further to cater to like-minded countries. 😺🔥🔥🔥 If this happens, we might become partners in co-developing a more futuristic ASRAAM next version.