Tejas Preps for Next-Gen Arsenal: Astra MkIII, BrahMos-NG, Tara Smart Munitions, and Beyond

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a bold step to transform its indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) into a more potent adversary.

Through a collaborative effort with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the IAF's Software Development Institute (SDI) will lead the charge in integrating a suite of advanced weapon systems into the latest Tejas Mk1A fighter.

A Powerful Arsenal in the Works​

The planned weapon upgrades for the Tejas offer a glimpse into India's air combat ambitions. Among the potential additions are:

• Astra Mk-III: This beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), with a projected range of over 300km, would significantly extend the Tejas' engagement envelope.
• Tara Smart Munitions: These precision-guided munitions, offered in 250kg, 450kg, and 500kg variants, would enhance the Tejas' strike capabilities against various ground targets.
• Rudram and Rudram-II Missiles: Specializing in anti-radiation and air-to-surface roles, these missiles target enemy air defenses and ground installations, making them valuable for suppression or destruction missions.
• BrahMos-NG: A smaller, lighter version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the BrahMos-NG would substantially boost the Tejas' standoff strike potential.

These weapons, if successfully integrated, would significantly increase the lethality and versatility of the Tejas platform.

Self-Reliance and SDI's Critical Role​

The IAF's decision to entrust the integration process to its own Software Development Institute is noteworthy. This move indicates a greater emphasis on self-reliance in defence technology.

The SDI will oversee testing, software updates, and the fine-tuning necessary to make these weapons fully compatible with the Tejas' systems. This in-house approach could accelerate the integration timeline compared to relying solely on external vendors.

The Tejas Factor​

This weapons upgrade program underscores the growing importance of the Tejas fighter within the IAF's force structure.

The commitment to 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, alongside the potential expansion to a fleet exceeding 200 fighters, represents a strong endorsement of the platform's capabilities.

The advanced weapons integration spearheaded by the SDI will further bolster the aircraft's role in India's air defence strategies, especially as they will also be part of the planned Tejas MkII fighters weapons package.

Takeaways​

The Tejas weapon integration initiative marks a significant milestone in India's push to become a major aerospace power.

By developing advanced weaponry and asserting greater control over the integration process, the IAF is positioning itself for enhanced responsiveness and a reduced reliance on foreign defence contractors in a complex geopolitical environment.

 

[Prashu Sam]

All pipeline is good, All above plans are great. Everything is right thinking, right direction and right support from all.

Only problem is delivery and timeline. MK1A delivery is so slow that by the time we fructify all above it will be too late. PAF will have J-10C, J-31 and J-17 Block 3. May be KAAAN in few years. PAF will have TB2/TB3 and AKINA in large number withing next 7-10 years and we will be catching up.

This should have done yesterday, but we talk more and deliver less
6 Mk1A in 2024, 8 In 2025 and 12-16 in 2027. It is extremely low number