Tejas Light Combat Aircraft: The not so Indian fighter

The Air Force has decided to place an order for 100 new and improved Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. However, despite being in the works since 1983, the light fighter is nowhere near indigenisation and almost 70% of the aircraft’s systems still need to be imported.

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THE FOREIGN CONNECT

An audit by the CAG brought out that despite claims that only 35% of the fi ghter depends on foreign systems, the actual figure is closer to 70%.

>Engine:

Effort to develop the Kaveri engine failed, forcing the purchase of GE 404 powerplants from the US.





>Flight control system actuators:

Considerable development delay leads to purchase from foreign sources.

>Multi-mode radar:

Joint HAL-LRDE project failed, Israeli company roped in.

>Radome:

Initially developed by ASL, failed to meet standards, imported from the UK.



THE DEFICIENCIES

The Air Force and Comptroller and Auditor General identified the following glaring deficiencies in the fighter:

>Lack of a trainer:

The LCA still does not have a certified trainer version to coach pilots.

>Mission simulator:

The lack of a full-mission simulator for the aircraft also a hindrance to training.

> Increased weight, reduced internal fuel capacity, front pilot protection system weakness, reduced speed key deficiencies.

> Performance issues with the radar warning receiver and counter-measure systems.

> Original sanction for project was Rs 560 crore that has been increased to Rs 10,397 crore.




THE LCA LEGACY

In the works since 1983, the LCA project is an example of how things went off target in Indian research and development.

1983-LCA project sanctioned to replace the MiG 21 fleet. Technical specifi cations framed in 1985.

1998-Was the target date for the induction with a total projected requirement for 220 fighters.

2001-The actual first flight of the aircraft took place, five years behind schedule.

2013-It took an agonising 12 years from first flight to an initial operational clearance in which the aircraft met basic parameters.

2014-The first LCA is inducted but is still not combat worthy. Several defi ciencies remain, besides incomplete weapons tests and integration.

2015-Government asks IAF to order 100 more of an improved version of the LCA. This in addition to an earlier order for 20.




WHAT THE IAF WANTS NOW

To be able to commit fully to an order for 100 more LCA fighters, the Air Force wants these four things to be in place at the earliest:

> Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar to track incoming targets

> Integration of a long range beyond-visual-range missile

> Air-to-Air refuelling capability to enhance its range

> Modern electronic warfare capability to enhance survivability of the aircraft