India is likely to acquire the new-age Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar from foreign countries. This was reported via international tender competition.
The winner of the tender contract could eventually go on to bag a bigger contract of 200 products as India is looking for AESA radar for its LCA Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets, the Economic Times reported.
Recently, the government cleared an order of 83 LCA Tejas Mk 1A fighter aircrafts for Indian Air Force (IAF), which might be fitted with the radar. Several companies from US, Europe and Israel might participate in the competition.
IAF is already arming its 58 Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft with AESA radar as the fighter fleet is being upgraded to DARIN III. Israeli firm, ELTA was roped in to provide the radars and hence they have an edge over other companies like Raytheon.
Previously, US companies had restrictions in selling such sensitive technology. But with India being designated "Major Defence Partner," they are willing to expand their base and share such technology.
Further, the AESA radar would give LCA Tejas an edge over similar fighter aircraft in the region, namely, Pakistan and China. This will also dispel any notion that the aircraft is not combat worthy. The AESA radar has "battle-winning capability." They give the aircraft more range and can engage its targets without getting detected. The radar can also track and direct its weapons to multiple air and ground targets.
