New Tejas fighter jets to feature DRDO-developed radars and EW suite, says industry expert

The Indian Air Force is set to receive new Tejas fighter jets, equipped with advanced technology including radars developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and an electronic warfare (EW) suite. According to an industry expert, these upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the aircraft’s operational capabilities.

Grp Capt (R) Ajay Lele, Deputy Director General at the Institute for Defence Studies & Analysis (IDSA), said, “It has radars developed by DRDO. They have an agency called LRDE, which has developed a radar with around 18 modes, enabling Air-to-Air, Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Sea operations. The quality of these radars is expected to be state-of-the-art.” He added that the radars are designed to avoid detection from passive radar, jammers and can home in on four targets simultaneously.

The defence ministry recently signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 Tejas aircraft, which will include 68 single-seaters and 29 twin-seaters. Deliveries for the aircraft are expected to begin in 2027, while the first two jets from an earlier 83-aircraft order is scheduled for delivery next month.

Lele noted that the Tejas programme has achieved a high level of indigenisation, with over 64% of the aircraft built with domestic components. However, he pointed out that engine supply remains a critical factor, as India relies on GE for engines. “The deal for 113 engines is already in the finalisation stage with GE for procurement for these 97 aircraft,” he said, adding that deliveries are likely to take a couple of years to ramp up fully.

The new Tejas jets also incorporate modern features such as AI-assisted systems, control surface actuators for improved manoeuvrability, and a sophisticated EW suite that provides real-time indications of jamming threats. Lele highlighted the importance of trained aircrew in leveraging these technologies, saying, “When you're talking about an aircraft being used in combat, it’s not only the quality of the aircraft as a technology but also the quality of the aircrew that matters a lot.”

With the retirement of older MIG-21 jets and the Indian Air Force operating below its required squadron strength, the upgraded Tejas fighters are expected to fill a critical gap and provide versatile options across multiple combat domains.

Below is the verbatim transcript of the interview.

Q: Group Captain Lele, first of all, the deliveries of Tejas fighters have been delayed by almost one year. We're now going to see deliveries begin in October. Overall, how is this programme going to benefit the Indian Air Force, now that MIG-21s are being retired, and what would be the key for this programme to be really effective for the Indian Air Force?

Lele: I think we have to look at two programmes at separate levels. One is the 83 Tejas Mark-1 aircraft. Two aircraft from this lot will be delivered, mostly by the end of October, that is next month. And now a deal has been signed for 97 aircraft, out of which 68 will be single-seaters and 29 will be twin-seaters.

As you correctly mentioned, 64% indigenous content is there. That means a lot of indigenisation has already happened. But the only problem as far as delivery of aircraft is concerned is the availability of engines, because we are totally dependent on GE for getting the engines. So, I believe now there will be 113 engines, for which the deal is already in the finalisation stage with GE for procurement for these 97 aircraft. As the timeline suggests, it will take a couple of years for actual deliveries to start happening.

But this particular aircraft, I think, has got very interesting features. It has radars developed by DRDO. They have an agency called LRDE, which has developed a radar with around 18 modes, enabling Air-to-Air, Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Sea operations. The quality of these radars is expected to be state-of-the-art. They will actually avoid detection from passive radar jammers. Also, on priority, these radars can home in on four targets. So, it's a very interesting development.

Then it has got an EW suite also, which again will give indications about jamming possibilities and all that. So, a lot of modern technology is being put into this aircraft, and we expect that as the deliveries start happening, it will actually meet the requirements of the Indian Air Force.

Q: I would also like to ask you, while our programme for a fifth-generation fighter is going to take at least 10 to 12 years for the first prototype to be developed, we are looking at different options in the meantime, including having 4.5 generation fighters, maybe also acquiring fifth-generation fighters from either Russia or the United States. No decision has been taken, but in the interim, how does this fighter meet our requirements, especially when we're hearing that Pakistan could get fifth-generation fighters from China?

Lele: We should not hold only on to the generations of aircraft. Every generation has certain qualities. We understand, as you mentioned, that around 36 MIG-21s will be retiring shortly. The Air Force right now has around 29 to 30 operational squadrons, while the requirement is around 42.5 squadrons. So, there is a huge backlog in terms of the number of aircraft.

So, we know how to use the aircraft in the most effective fashion. There are a lot of options available, and the way you train yourself, the way you understand the enemy's tactics, I think even fourth and 4.5 generation aircraft will be in a position to take on any sort of fifth-generation aircraft. Because now we have an interesting mix of aircraft. We have missiles like BrahMos and others.

I think warfare is not only limited to one domain. We have multiple domains. And whatever the challenges or limitations of using fourth and 4.5 generation aircraft against fifth-generation aircraft, we have a mix of elements that will be able to cater to all these requirements.

Q: What do you think will be the capabilities of this Tejas fighter, which has at least 64 or 67 improvements over the contract that was signed in 2021 for 83 Tejas fighters? What are the improvements and, when it comes to combat capabilities, how is this aircraft different? How will it stand out?

Lele: As far as equipment is concerned, I already mentioned that it has an EW suite and an AESA radar. It also has control surface actuators, which will actually help in controlling the wings of the aircraft. So, a lot of new technologies have come into being.

You see, the earlier deal was signed in 2021, and over a period of time, new technologies have emerged. There has been a major focus on AI, particularly during the last three to four years. So, there are things that have evolved over time. As and when you go into the production line, these aircraft will have certain differences compared to the earlier 83 fighter aircraft that were ordered.

As far as combat capabilities are concerned, they are not only based on the aircraft itself but also on the training of the aircrew. How you train the aircrew to use these systems is critical, and I think the Indian Air Force has some of the best-trained pilots. So, one can say with a lot of confidence that when you're talking about an aircraft being used in combat, it’s not only the quality of the aircraft as a technology but also the quality of the aircrew that matters a lot.