HAL has opted for imported radar and EW systems for its LCA Mk1A jets
A Strategic U-Turn: HAL’s Controversial Decision
In what many are calling a strategic betrayal, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has decided to equip the final batch of its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A jets with imported radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems from Israeli firm ELTA Systems, instead of the indigenous Uttam AESA radar and Swayam Raksha Kavach (SRK) EW suite developed by DRDO.
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This decision comes despite HAL’s earlier commitment to integrate DRDO’s systems into the last 43 of the 83 jets ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF) under a ₹48,000 crore deal signed in 2021. The Uttam radar, cleared for export and transferred to HAL in 2023, was expected to be a cornerstone of India’s defense self-reliance. Yet, in March 2025, HAL reversed course, citing delays in certification by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC).
Critics argue that this rationale is weak, especially since HAL had already issued a tender for 43 Uttam radars in late 2024. The sudden pivot to foreign systems not only undermines DRDO’s years of R&D but also sends a disheartening message to India’s defense ecosystem.
Make in India Undermined: A Blow to Indigenous Innovation
The timing of HAL’s decision couldn’t be worse. Just months after Operation Sindoor showcased India’s indigenous military prowess, this move has cast a shadow over the credibility of the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaigns.
The Uttam AESA radar, developed since 2008 and sanctioned in 2012, represents over a decade of indigenous innovation. It was designed to provide superior situational awareness, target tracking, and missile guidance. Paired with the SRK EW suite comprising a Radar Warning Receiver and an Advanced Self-Protection Jammer—the system was tailored for the LCA Mk1A’s combat needs.
By sidelining these systems, HAL has not only delayed the operationalization of indigenous tech but also risked demoralizing the very institutions tasked with building India’s defense future. DRDO, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and other stakeholders now face an uphill battle to regain trust and momentum.
Moreover, this decision could have ripple effects on India’s export ambitions. Countries considering the LCA Tejas as a cost-effective fighter jet may now question its indigenous credentials and long-term support ecosystem.
Trust Deficit and the Road Ahead
The Indian Air Force’s growing frustration with HAL’s delivery delays and quality concerns has been well documented. As of mid-2025, not a single LCA Mk1A has been delivered, despite production commitments starting in February 2024. HAL’s production capacity, plagued by supply chain issues and integration challenges, has failed to meet the IAF’s expectations.
This trust deficit is now spilling into strategic decision-making. The IAF, already operating below its sanctioned squadron strength, is under pressure to induct capable jets quickly. HAL’s inability to deliver on time may have forced a compromise but at what cost?
The government must now intervene decisively. If India is serious about becoming a global defense manufacturing hub, it cannot afford to let its premier aerospace firm bypass indigenous solutions for short-term convenience. Certification delays should be addressed through streamlined processes, not by abandoning homegrown innovation.
Conclusion:
HAL’s decision to opt for foreign radar and EW systems is more than a procurement choice, it’s a symbolic setback for India’s self-reliance journey. While operational readiness is critical, it must not come at the expense of long-term strategic autonomy. The Uttam radar and SRK suite are not just technologies; they are testaments to India’s capability and ambition. If India is to truly lead in defense innovation, it must back its institutions, streamline certification, and hold public sector giants accountable. The future of Make in India depends on it.
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