The delay in Tejas Mk1A deliveries may turn out to be a blessing in disguise because it is increasingly becoming clear that the aircraft could be delivered with the indigenous UTTAM AESA radar from the very beginning. Initially, the plan was to equip the first 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft with the Israeli ELTA-2052 radar and the remaining 97 with UTTAM AESA. Now, reports suggest that the 41st aircraft will feature UTTAM. However, I believe even the first 40 aircraft could eventually be delivered with UTTAM AESA, given that the delays have already occurred and the indigenous radar is now entering production.
Astra Microwave Products has secured a ₹2,205.23 crore order from HAL to supply key components for the indigenous Uttam AESA Radar.
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