Indian Air Force News and Discussions ll

[Yasser76]

A great power dream? Based on reality, it is important to truly find one's own positioning

Let them have their fun, they post so much stuff that never goes on to be reality, they mistake activity for progress, all in the meantime 50 old Jaguars and 40 year old Migs continue to fly

 

[Kaveri Engine]

Let them have their fun, they post so much stuff that never goes on to be reality, they mistake activity for progress, all in the meantime 50 old Jaguars and 40 year old Migs continue to fly

Initially, Tejas was intended to replace MiG-21. However, with the introduction of the Mk1A, IAF recognised its potential to replace MiG-27 and Jaguar as well. The reason the IAF continues to operate and upgrade the Jaguar is its unique low-level penetration capability. It can fly extremely close to the ground, allowing it to approach targets near the Pakistani border while reducing its exposure to enemy radar detection. No other fighter, including Tejas, can replicate this capability to the same extent.

The aircraft that could eventually replace Jaguar's specialised strike and bomber role is the Ghatak UCAV, a stealth unmanned combat aircraft powered by the dry variant of the Kaveri engine—the same engine technology originally developed for the Tejas Mk1A. Over the next 8–10 years, if BrahMos Aerospace successfully develops Kaveri 2.0 with wet thrust, it could potentially power much larger bomber platforms with payload capacities comparable to the B-52 and significantly greater operational range.


A long-range stealth bomber capable of carrying heavy bunker-busting munitions would give India greater flexibility in targeting deeply buried and hardened military infrastructure, including Pakistan's nuclear-related facilities. Such a capability is relevant to India's first-strike options. While India has also developed the Agni-P variant for hardened-target missions, a stealth bomber would offer additional flexibility in terms of payload, deployment options and mission profiles.

 

[Kaveri Engine]

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 Bags ₹2,205 Crore HAL Uttam Radar Order

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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