Tejas Mk1A to Enhance Aerial Warfare Capabilities with Indigenous Anti-AWACS Missile

India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A is set to significantly enhance its aerial warfare capabilities with the integration of an indigenous anti-AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) missile based on the DRDO-developed STAR missile. This development marks a crucial milestone in India's self-reliance in defence technology.

The STAR missile, boasting an impressive range of 300 kilometers, is specifically designed to neutralize high-value aerial targets like AWACS aircraft, aerial refuelers, and airborne jammers, which play a vital role in enemy air operations. By incorporating this anti-AWACS capability, the Tejas Mk1A can effectively disrupt enemy air tactics and gain a decisive advantage in aerial combat scenarios.

The missile's ramjet propulsion technology enables it to achieve greater range and efficiency compared to traditional rocket motors. The absence of onboard oxidizer allows the missile to maintain high velocity throughout its flight, enhancing its effectiveness against even evasive targets.

The combination of the Tejas Mk1A's agility and the STAR missile's extended range and speed creates a potent force multiplier, significantly enhancing India's aerial warfare capabilities. This indigenous weapon system is poised to play a pivotal role in neutralizing critical enemy airborne assets, potentially turning the tide in aerial conflicts.

The integration of the anti-AWACS missile signifies a significant advancement in India's indigenous defence capabilities. It showcases the country's commitment to self-reliance in critical defence technologies and strengthens its position as a formidable player in the global defence landscape.

 

[sanket]

I think Range is Limited it should have over 600 kM , Tejas MK1A have Limited Combat Range This Slow moving high value aerial platform are far deep inside from Border.

 

[Anant]

I think Range is Limited it should have over 600 kM , Tejas MK1A have Limited Combat Range This Slow moving high value aerial platform are far deep inside from Border.

Let them get it working. If past projects are anything to go by, some work would be underway to look at range extensions.

 

[Ashutosh Shukla]

why ramjet engine cannot cannot be used in air to air missile, only anti awacs missile

 

[Frank]

why the need for astra mk3 then??

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Another "will be" story. Pathetic situation to see the claims made for every single project showing that bit going to be "game changer" and what not, and when it comes to deliveries and timelines, there is stony silence from these DPSU's

 

[Hari Sud]

I think Range is Limited it should have over 600 kM , Tejas MK1A have Limited Combat Range This Slow moving high value aerial platform are far deep inside from Border.

Width of Pakistan is less than 500km, hence 300km missile is good enough.

 

[NSR]

Too soon to celebrate as this capability is few years away.
It is known as Astra Mk III and Project Kusha which are based on Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet engine technology.
But will be a game changer and force multiplier for IAF.

 

[beencensured]

why the need for astra mk3 then??

Yes, astra mk3 has higher speed near hypersonic/ hypersonic with solid fuel ducted ramjet. Star is slower and a liquid fueled ramjet. What is cost difference? Performance? Warhead? Weight? Range seems to be same, but some articles say star has 600 km range for air launched version.

 

[beencensured]

Another "will be" story. Pathetic situation to see the claims made for every single project showing that bit going to be "game changer" and what not, and when it comes to deliveries and timelines, there is stony silence from these DPSU's

They are already testing astra 3 on su30mki and star as supersonic target. So, it is not strange or a dream. Star could probably be in testing in three to five years, but possible it may be not modified as much and made air launched version which 175 km range may very well as other articles state to 600 km air launch range. This might be done earlier.

 

[beencensured]

Width of Pakistan is less than 500km, hence 300km missile is good enough.

Star in other articles may have 600 km range for air launch.

 

[Akshat]

Let them get it working. If past projects are anything to go by, some work would be underway to look at range extensions.

Forget extensions bro. So far no one has ever said such a project exists (let me know if I am wrong). Such imaginary articles keep popping up ever since Brahmos was inducted. But nothing ever worked. This is because of multiple reasons. First, the missile has liquid fuel, which is not preferred for A2A roles as it takes time to get it ready. The missile also becomes very bulky. Then, this missile (or even Brahmos) is made for land attack roles. So the entire body will need changes as you will have to float in air instead of along the ground, and the maneuvering ability needed will be much higher. The sensors will also need to be changed. And so will be the warhead. So basically there is nothing in the missile that can work in this regard. If our SFDR is anywhere near ready, that will be a much preferred option.

 

[Akshat]

why ramjet engine cannot cannot be used in air to air missile, only anti awacs missile

It’s unlikely to become either. Solid fueled ramjet, yes. But liquid fueled? Highly unlikely. So far no one has ever said that this project exists (officially).

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

Star in other articles may have 600 km range for air launch.

Ranges of air launched Missiles are different from every angle & altitude, in worst case the range can even minimises to just 200km also

 

[bonito]

What is IAF and HAL looking into an low range interceptor jet ? Why it is equipped with offensive role capabilities? Tejas Mk1a can never be a front line offensive jet.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Star in other articles may have 600 km range for air launch.

Range of an air launched missiles are contingent upon the, altitude from which they are fired. If a platform firing it, launches the missile from low altitude it would probably not reach full range and would be limited to just around 200Km. However, if the launch platform fires the missiles from a relatively high altitude, the missile can cover more distance in which case the range would probably be over 250-350Km max range. However nobody launches an air--air missile at maximum range, they launch it while considering the no escape zone of the missile.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Yes, astra mk3 has higher speed near hypersonic/ hypersonic with solid fuel ducted ramjet. Star is slower and a liquid fueled ramjet. What is cost difference? Performance? Warhead? Weight? Range seems to be same, but some articles say star has 600 km range for air launched version.

There is absolutely no way anybody can track and designate targets effectively for a 600KM missile. If it would be possible it would have already been done.

 

[Air Cmde KI Ravi AVSM VSM]

Mk1A & Mk 1 do not have much difference in terms of airframe, AYW etc. Hence for an A2G mission the AUW is too high to keep loading this aircraft. The only way possible is to get airborne with empty drop tanks carry out AAR at LoC and then commence mission with tied escorts.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Even our AWACS platforms must carry BVR missiles and laser weapon pods !

 

[Alok Gupta]

If STAR is actually being integrated with Tejas, that would imply that the UTTAM AESA radar has a range close to 400km. That's pretty good. The larger version being planned for SU-30 and AMCA would hopefully have a larger range. This could be a game changer as these aircraft can then act as mini-AWACS.