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HAL Chief Reveals Tejas Delays Due to Israel War Impact on Software

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Chief Managing Director DK Sunil stated that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has caused delays in receiving software for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet's radar and Electronic Warfare systems. He clarified that while software upgrades have arrived late, the necessary equipment is currently available for existing aircraft. The advanced ELM-2052 AESA radar for the Tejas is developed by Israel's ELTA, making it susceptible to supply chain disruptions from the region. Sunil also mentioned that a Russian committee has studied a potential partnership on the Su-57 stealth fighter, with a quotation from Russia pending.

Key Points: HAL on Tejas Delays from Israel War: Software Supply Hit

  • Tejas Mk1A software delayed by Israel conflict
  • Supply chain impacted but equipment available
  • Advanced AESA radar from Israeli firm
  • Hope for quick war conclusion to catch up
  • Russian committee studied Su-57 partnership
2 min read

'We have delays": HAL Chief on delays caused in Indian projects due to Israel's ongoing wars

HAL CMD DK Sunil cites delays in Tejas fighter jet radar software due to Israel's conflicts, but says equipment supply is currently managed.

"We have had delays because of software coming for the radar - DK Sunil"

New Delhi, April 2

With Israel embroiled in the conflict in West Asia, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Chief Managing Director DK Sunil on Thursday said that there have been delays in receiving the software for India's flagship fighter program, Tejas.

When asked if there are any impacts on the LCA Mk 1 radar and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems in light of the conflict in West Asia, the HAL CMD told ANI, "We have had delays because of software coming for the radar for some issue. In the previous war, it was also down for a short time, but the plants have worked; they have supplied the equipment to us. Software upgrades also have come, albeit with delay. So, I think that is being well managed."

Referring to the conflict in West Asia and the Gulf region, he said that while it was expected that the supply would be affected, as of now, the equipment is present.

"Currently whatever is happening, we expect it to have some effect on the supplies but right now the aircraft that we have already have, we have the equipment. So, hopefully we will be able to catch up. We hope this war will also conclude quickly and this delay will be taken care of."

LCA Mk1A is the most advanced version of the LCA Tejas.

It is equipped with AESA Radar, EW suite consisting of radar warning and self-protection jamming, Digital Map Generator (DMG), Smart Multi-function Displays (SMFD), Combined Interrogator and Transponder (CIT), Advanced Radio Altimeter and other advances features.LCA Mk1A comprises of the advanced ELM-2052 radar, developed by Israeli Aerospace Industries ELTA, that utilises solid-state Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, it supports air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea missions while fitting seamlessly into various fighter aircraft nose cone configurations.

Meanwhile, in the conversation with ANI, the HAL Chief said that a committee from Russia has studied details of a partnership between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Russia on supplying fifth-generation stealth fighter jet Sukhoi 57 (Su-57) to the Indian Air Force, with a quotation from the Russian side being awaited about the investment.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Understandable delays given the situation, but HAL's tone seems a bit too relaxed. "Hopefully we will be able to catch up" isn't very reassuring for our Air Force's modernization timeline. We need more proactive contingency planning. 🇮🇳
R
Rahul R
The geopolitical lesson is clear. Diversify suppliers. Relying on any single foreign nation for critical tech is a strategic vulnerability. Good that they are talking to Russia about Su-57, but we must also accelerate our own AMCA project.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's fascinating (and worrying) to see how a conflict thousands of miles away can impact a domestic fighter jet program in India. Global supply chains in defense are incredibly fragile.
A
Aman W
At least they are being transparent about the delays. Better than hiding it. The Tejas Mk1A is a fantastic machine once it gets all its components. Jai Hind!
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Karthik V
The mention of the Su-57 is interesting. But we've been down this road with Russia before (FGFA). We should focus on mastering and mass-producing what we have started - the Tejas. Self-reliance is the only permanent solution.

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