lca tejas | Business Upturn

Vayushakti 2024: A chink in the armour of India’s defence potential?

Girish Linganna — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 06:56:10 +0000

In a striking showcase of military prowess, the Vayushakti 2024 exercise recently illuminated unexpected setbacks within India’s defense arsenal, casting a spotlight on critical hurdles that demand immediate attention and resolution. The failures of the Akash and R73 missiles, integrated with the Tejas aircraft, have underscored pressing issues that threaten to compromise the nation’s defense capabilities.

As the crown jewel of the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Akash surface-to-air missile system boasts formidable capabilities, designed to intercept and neutralize airborne threats with precision. However, its recent misfire during the Vayushakti exercise has ignited concerns regarding its reliability and performance. With open-source revelations citing a troubling 30% failure rate, scrutiny has intensified over the Akash’s efficacy on the modern battlefield.

Simultaneously, the R73 missile, renowned for its prowess in close-range air combat engagements, confronts its own set of challenges. Despite its operational range and heat-seeking capabilities, media reports and expert analyses have shed light on shortcomings, including outdated infrared seeker technology and limitations in maneuverability. Observations from conflict zones, notably the Russo-Ukraine War, have further exposed vulnerabilities in tracking and countering modern threats, raising doubts about the R73’s adaptability to evolving battle scenarios.

The failure of the Akash and R73 missiles integrated with Tejas during the Vayushakti 2024 exercise highlights glaring issues that demand urgent attention.

The R73 missile’s reliance on a non-imaging cryogenic cooled IR seeker, deemed outdated in comparison to the prevailing trend of Imaging Infrared seekers, presents a significant handicap. Additionally, its lack of thrust vectoring capabilities curtails maneuverability and agility, restricting its effectiveness in dynamic aerial engagements. With a limited launch off boresight capability, coupled with reports of diminished tracking capabilities through clouds in conflict zones, the R73 faces formidable challenges in countering modern threats, particularly those employing advanced ECM and countermeasures.

Similarly, the Akash missile program confronts a myriad of obstacles, ranging from radar and electronic control unit issues to sensor deficiencies. Notably, during actual tests, a troubling 43% failure rate in missile launches underscores substantial technical hurdles within the program. Despite numerous board meetings convened between 2019 and 2023, the persistent concerns surrounding the Akash missile program have yet to be effectively addressed or resolved, posing a significant risk to India’s defense capabilities.

India’s burgeoning defense exports to Armenia mark yet another milestone in the nation’s strategic partnerships, as indigenous anti-air systems join a growing list of military hardware exported to the Asian country. The forthcoming deliveries of the Akash anti-air systems, manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), underscore India’s expanding role as a key player in the global arms trade. With deals valued at an estimated ₹6,000 crores, India solidifies its position as a reliable supplier of cutting-edge defense technology, extending offers for export to other nations like Vietnam and the Philippines.

However, recent setbacks, such as the failure of the Akash missile during the Vayushakti 2024 exercise, raise concerns about potential impacts on future defense deals. While India’s defense exports hold immense promise, ensuring the reliability and performance of indigenous systems is paramount to maintaining credibility in the international market. Any perceived deficiencies in technology or performance may jeopardize future agreements, highlighting the need for rigorous quality control and ongoing technological advancements to address shortcomings.

HAL Heading Down?

Meanwhile, amidst India’s defense export successes, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) stands as a pivotal force in shaping the nation’s aerial prowess. With a storied history of manufacturing iconic aircraft, HAL plays a crucial role in bolstering the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. Yet, beneath its outward veneer of importance lies a narrative of untapped potential and systemic challenges.

HAL’s track record reflects an impressive lineage of aircraft production, from the venerable MiG-21 to the sophisticated Sukhoi-30. However, concerns persist regarding HAL’s ability to keep pace with rapid technological advancements and cultivate a skilled workforce capable of meeting future challenges. The absence of decisive leadership and strategic direction exacerbates these concerns, leaving HAL vulnerable to being outpaced by global competitors.

The ramifications of HAL’s stagnation reverberate throughout the Indian Air Force, where a lack of indigenous aircraft exacerbates existing challenges stemming from an insufficient fleet size. As geopolitical dynamics evolve and regional security imperatives shift, the need for a robust and self-reliant aerospace sector becomes increasingly evident. HAL’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace innovation will be critical in ensuring India’s aerospace industry remains competitive on the world stage.

LCA Tejas

The Tejas aircraft, hailed as India’s pride in indigenous aviation, faces significant hurdles on its journey to establishing itself as a formidable contender in the realm of modern air combat. While the Tejas project represents a remarkable feat of engineering and innovation, persistent challenges in avionics integration, engine performance, and airframe structural integrity threaten to undermine its potential as a frontline fighter jet.

Central to the Tejas’ effectiveness in combat is the seamless integration of new armaments, a task fraught with significant obstacles. The complexity of avionics and software systems poses formidable challenges, hindering the aircraft’s readiness for combat and its ability to adapt to evolving threats in the dynamic field of air combat. Addressing these integration issues is imperative to ensure the Tejas remains agile and responsive in diverse operational scenarios.

Critical to the Tejas’ performance are its engine and airframe, which serve as the backbone of its capabilities. However, the GE F404-IN20 engine, while a technological marvel in its own right, has encountered setbacks such as overheating and mid-flight shutdowns. These issues not only impede the advancement of the Tejas program but also raise serious safety concerns during flight operations. Rectifying these engine-related challenges is paramount to enhancing the reliability and operational effectiveness of the Tejas aircraft.

Moreover, the structural integrity of the Tejas’ airframe, essential for its durability and longevity, has come under scrutiny due to observed deficiencies. These structural shortcomings not only disrupt the timeline of the Tejas program but also cast doubt on the aircraft’s ability to withstand high-stress environments characteristic of modern combat scenarios. Addressing these structural issues is crucial to bolstering confidence in the Tejas’ performance and ensuring its viability as a frontline fighter jet.

Atmanirbhar at the cost of security? HAL might keep us failing!

Girish Linganna — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 05:06:05 +0000

In the intricate tapestry of India’s defence apparatus, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) stands as a pivotal pillar, quietly but decisively shaping the nation’s aerial prowess. Yet, beneath its veneer of importance lies a narrative of unmet potential and systemic challenges that threaten to clip the wings of India’s aerospace ambitions.

HAL’s significance in bolstering the operational capabilities of our armed forces cannot be overstated. From the sleek lines of fighter jets to the thunderous roar of helicopter rotors, much of the hardware that defends our skies bears the hallmark of HAL’s craftsmanship. However, lurking behind this façade of productivity lies a concerning dearth of strategic foresight and proactive leadership.

The tale of the HF-24 Marut serves as a poignant reminder of missed opportunities. Conceived as India’s foray into supersonic fighter technology, the Marut ultimately failed to soar to its intended heights. Instead of nurturing and refining the project, bureaucratic inertia and a lack of long-term vision allowed this promising endeavour to wither on the vine, leaving the Indian Air Force bereft of a crucial asset.

While HAL’s track record boasts an impressive array of aircraft, including iconic models like the MiG-21 and the modern Sukhoi-30, the company’s evolution has not always been synonymous with progress. Despite its stature as a manufacturing behemoth, concerns linger regarding the organisation’s ability to keep pace with technological advancements and cultivate a workforce equipped with the requisite skills for the challenges ahead.

At the crux of HAL’s predicament lies a palpable absence of decisive leadership and strategic direction. Without a clear roadmap delineating the trajectory of India’s aerospace industry, HAL finds itself navigating turbulent skies, perpetually at risk of being overtaken by competitors on the global stage.

The repercussions of HAL’s stagnation are acutely felt within the corridors of the Indian Air Force, where a dearth of indigenous aircraft compounds existing challenges stemming from an inadequate fleet size. As geopolitical dynamics evolve and regional security imperatives undergo constant flux, the imperative for a robust and self-reliant aerospace sector becomes increasingly apparent.

In the face of these challenges, the onus falls squarely on policymakers and industry stakeholders to chart a course correction for HAL and the broader aerospace ecosystem. The imperative lies not merely in rectifying past missteps but in fostering an environment conducive to innovation, collaboration, and sustained growth.

The nation’s premier defence establishments, including the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Ordnance Factories, have failed to deliver on their promises, leaving the country’s military capabilities sorely lacking.

The saga of attempting to develop a modern tank and a world-class fighter jet is fraught with tales of false promises and inflated claims by DRDO and HAL. These endeavours, which demand years of dedicated effort and substantial investment, have fallen short of expectations, languishing in a perpetual cycle of prototyping without achieving true operational readiness.

Our Beloved LCA!

A glaring example of this is the case of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program. Despite ambitious plans and substantial funding, progress has been sluggish at best. While a significant number of LCAs have been ordered, the pace of development and delivery has been lacklustre, with delays and uncertainties plaguing the project.

The contract signed with HAL for the supply of 83 LCA-Mk1A fighters, touted as a more capable variant, offers a glimmer of hope. However, the timeline for delivery remains murky, with HAL failing to provide a concrete schedule. Moreover, the LCA’s reliance on imported components, including crucial precision-guided munitions and air-to-air missiles, underscores India’s continued dependence on foreign suppliers for key defence capabilities.

Furthermore, the absence of integral electronic countermeasure systems and the persistent lack of an indigenous aero-engine further dampen the prospects of the LCA program. Without these essential components, the operational effectiveness and longevity of the LCA fleet are called into question, raising doubts about its utility in the long run.

The challenges facing the LCA program extend beyond the Air Force, with the status of the Naval Variant LCA program and the Tactical Electronic Warfare Development Establishment (TEDBF) project remaining uncertain. The absence of a clear roadmap for these initiatives raises concerns about India’s ability to maintain a credible naval aviation capability in the years to come.

What about Mk 2?

As of now, the prospect of witnessing the LCA Mk II take to the skies before January 4, 2026, seems increasingly unlikely, marking a significant delay in the program’s progression. Should development proceed without major setbacks, the first operationally capable LCA Mk II may not be a reality until as late as 2036, a sobering realisation for India’s aspirations in indigenous defence production.

While operational specifics of the LCA Mk II remain shrouded in secrecy, certain critical benchmarks must be met for the aircraft to stand toe-to-toe with its adversaries. Chief among these requirements is a production rate of at least 18 aircraft annually, ensuring a steady influx of assets into the Indian Air Force’s arsenal.

Furthermore, the LCA Mk II must be equipped with indigenous weaponry, showcasing India’s self-reliance in defence technology. Essential operational parameters, including a formidable combat radius of at least 500 kilometres and an integral Electronic Countermeasure/Electronic Counter-Countermeasure (ECM/ECCM) suite capable of neutralising advanced airborne threats, are imperative for maintaining air superiority in the region.

Mid-air refuelling capability, compatibility with Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) platforms within the Indian Air Force, and state-of-the-art radar systems, including an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with robust search and track capabilities, are indispensable for ensuring the LCA Mk II’s effectiveness in modern aerial warfare scenarios.

Moreover, the aircraft must boast a user-friendly digital cockpit display, integral Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), and a ‘ZERO/ZERO’ pilot escape system, underscoring the paramount importance of pilot safety in combat operations.

In addition to these prerequisites, advanced features such as Fly-by-Wire (FBW) and Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) systems, dry regime supersonic capability, and a Thrust-to-Weight ratio exceeding 0.8 under maximum load conditions are essential for elevating the LCA Mk II to the pinnacle of aerial superiority.

For A Reality Check!

Envisioning the likely state of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2036, a sobering reality confronts us: a fleet ageing rapidly, with dwindling squadron strength and a paucity of indigenous capabilities. The fixed-wing strike element, comprising a mix of venerable veterans and relatively newer acquisitions, paints a portrait of challenges and uncertainties.

First and foremost, the venerable MiG-21 variants, stalwarts of the IAF for decades, would have gracefully transitioned into static display platforms, marking the end of an era in Indian aviation history. Meanwhile, the Jaguar fleet, if still in service, would have clocked nearly six decades of service, a testament to their enduring reliability but also a reflection of the challenges posed by ageing platforms.

The MiG-29s and Mirage-2000s, stalwarts of the IAF’s fleet, would be nearing the half-century mark, having served valiantly since their induction in the mid-1980s. Similarly, the Su-30 variants, workhorses of the IAF, would be approaching four decades of service, with potential disruptions in fleet availability due to geopolitical dynamics, as evidenced by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The relatively newer additions to the IAF’s arsenal, such as the Rafales, would be nearing two decades of service, providing a modern but finite window of operational capability. However, despite the induction of these advanced platforms, the overall squadron strength of the IAF is projected to shrink significantly, potentially falling between 22 to 26 squadrons.

Amidst this backdrop of ageing and dwindling assets, the question arises: will the LCA Mk II join the ranks of the IAF by 2036? The answer remains uncertain. While HAL endeavours to develop and equip the LCA Mk II with advanced capabilities, past performance raises doubts about the timely availability and operational readiness of this indigenous platform.

HAL’s track record over the past three decades has been marred by substandard performance and a lack of accountability, casting a shadow over the prospects of achieving self-reliance in defence production. The slogan of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ rings hollow without tangible actions to bolster indigenous capabilities.

The current Chief of Air Staff’s acceptance of the LCA Mk II as an interim measure underscores the urgency of addressing systemic deficiencies within HAL and the broader defence establishment. The path to achieving a robust and self-reliant defence industry requires bold reforms, including the privatisation of HAL and greater accountability for performance and output.

Views expressed in the article are of author’s own and do not reflect the editorial stance of Business Upturn

Argentina shows interest in LCA Tejas

Pranay Maniar — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 09:38:04 +0000

On External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar’s visit to Argentina, the minister acknowledged the South American nation’s interest in the indigenous LCA (light combat aircraft) Tejas for induction into the Argentine Airforce.

While in Argentina, Jaishankar met with Santiago Cafiero, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship, and reaffirmed the two nations’ cooperation in several fields.

“Expressing satisfaction at the close cooperation between the two countries at the multilateral fora, both ministers agreed to closely cooperate in the United Nations and other multilateral organisations to address global challenges of terrorism, security, international and regional peace, climate change, biodiversity loss, equitable trade and sustainable development,” the statement said.

“Both sides agreed to promote the exchange of visits between armed forces, defence training and collaboration for joint production of defence-related equipment,” the statement added.

“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, is completely unacceptable to the international community and must be combatted resolutely,” they said.

The Argentine Air force has a modest 40 fighter jets with the likes of IA 63 Pampa and the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk. Both are small, lack firepower and cannot reach supersonic speeds.

Buenos Aires is looking to procure new aircraft with 4^th or 4.5 generation capabilities that can perform multirole functions.

Pakistan and China have pitched their JF-17 Thunder while India has offered the LCA. Both aircraft fulfil the Air force’s requirements. In the last few years, Argentina has cut its defence expenditure due to its poor economic performance and is not looking for a large order of these aircraft.

Latin America is a relatively peaceful region in the world as all nations have great relations with one another. This has led to less defence expenditure and no little to no focus on military building.

Recently another country in the region, Colombia has shown interest in the LCA Tejas to replace its Israeli-made KFIR fighters which are over 3 decade old.