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| The HAL Tejas is a 4.5 generation, single-engine, delta-wing multirole combat aircraft developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force and Navy. Photo - TheIndianHawk |
Why HAL Chose Israeli Radar Over Indigenous Uttam AESA for Tejas Mk1A Jets: Avoiding Delays to Boost IAF Readiness
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently made a significant decision regarding the radar systems for its Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. HAL decided to use the Israeli ELM-2052 radar for the 41st jet and later models. This is instead of the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
This choice was mainly made to avoid a 12–18-month delay in delivering these jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF is eagerly waiting to replace older aircraft like the MiG-21.
Why Did HAL Choose the Israeli Radar Over Uttam AESA?
The main reason for HAL's decision is the delay in certifying the Uttam AESA radar system. This system is made by DRDO. The Uttam radar offers advanced features like tracking multiple targets, long detection ranges, and strong resistance to jamming. It has not passed all the necessary certification tests. These tests are conducted by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).
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| Uttam AESA is India’s own radar. The Israeli ELM-2052 is a tested, combat-ready AESA radar. It has advanced multi-target tracking. Photo - Theindianhawk.com |
HAL worries that staying with the Uttam radar could delay the Tejas Mk1A program by 18 months. This delay would greatly affect the IAF’s ability to operate effectively.
To prevent this, HAL has signed a Letter of Intent with Israel’s ELTA Systems. They will buy the ELM-2052 AESA radar and the Scorpius-SP electronic warfare pod. These systems are already proven in combat and have a faster integration timeline.
How Will This Impact the Tejas Mk1A Program?
The Israeli ELM-2052 radar is a highly capable system offering:
- Air-to-air and air-to-ground multi-mode operations
- Advanced electronic countermeasures
- Proven reliability in various air forces worldwide
HAL will work with ELTA Systems to assemble these radars locally. This will help with technology transfer and involve domestic production.
This approach ensures that the Tejas Mk1A jets can be delivered to the IAF on schedule, maintaining momentum in India’s Light Combat Aircraft program.
What About India’s Indigenous Defence Goals?
This decision raises important questions about India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) ambitions in defence technology. The Uttam AESA radar was expected to be a landmark achievement for India’s defence R&D ecosystem.
DRDO, however, maintains that the radar was cleared for production in 2023 and that flight trials and hardware qualifications were completed by April 2025. They have requested more time to finish certification and suggested a hybrid approach combining indigenous radar with imported electronic warfare systems.
What’s Next for HAL and DRDO?
This situation highlights the challenge of balancing operational readiness with indigenous technology development. While HAL’s decision prioritizes the IAF’s immediate needs, it also underscores the need for smoother certification processes and better collaboration between HAL and DRDO.
In the future, we may see the Uttam AESA radar integrated into upgraded versions of the Tejas or other aircraft platforms once certification is complete.
Related Reads:
- Defence Ministry awards HAL contract to manufacture Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jet
- India Approves Procurement of 83 LCA MK1A TEJAS Fighter Jets Worth Rs 48,000 cr for Indian Air Force
- India's Future Weapons: The New Generation of Military Technology
Conclusion
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s choice to use the Israeli ELM-2052 radar over the indigenous Uttam AESA radar for the Tejas Mk1A jets is a strategic move to avoid delivery delays and ensure the Indian Air Force remains operationally ready. While this decision temporarily sidelines indigenous radar technology, it opens doors for collaboration and technology transfer, balancing immediate defence needs with India’s long-term self-reliance goals.