India to receive new fighter jet with Israeli tech after Pakistan conflict
The Tejas is equipped with AESA (active electronic scanned array) technology made by Elta, a subsidiary of IAI, replacing an earlier Israeli radar.
The Indian Air Force is set to receive its new fighter jet, the HAL Tejas, later this month. The delivery, delayed by more than a year, has become critical following the recent conflict with Pakistan.
India’s decision to select a domestically produced aircraft to replace its aging MiG-21 and Jaguar fighter jets is one of the reasons the country currently fields just 31 fighter squadrons instead of the planned 42.
The Indian Air Force has already received 40 Tejas aircraft from the initial production run. Now, it is set to receive the advanced A1 variant, which brings it closer to Western standards, largely thanks to Israeli technology.
The Tejas is equipped with AESA (active electronic scanned array) technology made by Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, replacing an earlier Israeli radar.
Elta is also providing an electronic warfare system. Pilots will use the latest helmet-mounted sight from Elbit, while the planes will carry Rafael’s radar-guided Derby missile.
Aircrafts fitted with multimillion-dollar Israeli systems
Each of the 83 aircraft ordered in the new variant will be fitted with multimillion-dollar Israeli systems manufactured in India in partnership with local companies, in line with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Make in India” policy, which requires local production of all defense equipment.In fact, the Tejas will be more “Israeli” than the Israeli Air Force’s own jets, which are equipped with American radars due to a US veto on the installation of Israeli radars.
The initial deliveries of the aircraft were scheduled two years ago. However, delays—primarily in the delivery of the US-made General Electric F404 engines—held back production, although at one point Israeli industries were also blamed for delays.
India is still grappling with internal debates over buying foreign systems versus local development, which is often criticized for poor quality. The Defense Ministry’s development arm in New Delhi continues to nurture homegrown products, but the military often prefers imported, higher-quality systems.
Meanwhile, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. is developing the next version of the Tejas, which will feature canard wings for improved maneuverability, extended range, and enhanced systems. Israeli, French, and American companies are already vying to supply these systems.
