New Delhi: Tejas FOC trainer aircraft Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radars integration is a significant upgrade aimed at preparing Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots for future Tejas Mk1A operations. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has upgraded the final two twin-seat Tejas trainer aircraft with advanced Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radars and air-to-air refuelling capability. The move will help trainee pilots gain experience with the advanced systems that are becoming standard on the Tejas Mk1A fleet.
HAL Completes Tejas FOC Trainer Aircraft Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA Radars Integration
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has upgraded the last two twin-seat Tejas trainer aircraft from the original 2010 Final Operational Clearance (FOC) order.
The aircraft, identified as SPT7 and SPT8, now feature the Israeli EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar along with air-to-air refuelling capability. These upgrades bring the trainers closer to the operational standards of modern Tejas variants.
Why Tejas FOC Trainer Aircraft Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA Radars Integration Matter
The Indian Air Force is in the middle of a major modernization effort centered around the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. By equipping trainer aircraft with advanced avionics and radar systems, pilots can gain practical experience before transitioning to frontline combat aircraft. This reduces training gaps and improves operational readiness.
Bridging Legacy And Future Fleets
The upgraded trainers act as a bridge between the older Tejas Mk1 fleet and the newer Tejas Mk1A aircraft. Pilots training on these aircraft will become familiar with advanced sensor systems, radar operation, and modern mission-management capabilities before flying combat units.
What Is The EL/M-2052 AESA Radar
The EL/M-2052 is an advanced AESA fire-control radar developed by Israel’s ELTA Systems. The radar provides improved target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities. It can track multiple targets simultaneously and supports both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Better Situational Awareness
Compared with older mechanically scanned radars, AESA radars offer faster scanning, improved reliability, and better resistance to electronic interference. These advantages help pilots detect threats earlier and make faster decisions during combat operations.
Air-To-Air Refuelling Adds Operational Value
The upgraded trainers have also received air-to-air refuelling probes. This allows pilots to train for extended-range missions and learn aerial refuelling procedures, a key capability for modern air combat operations. Such training is important because operational Tejas variants are also equipped with aerial refuelling capability.
Read also: Indian Air Force Plans 6 New Netra Mk1A Aircraft; Embraer Offers More Capable Praetor 600 Jet
FAQs
The radar helps trainee pilots gain experience with advanced sensor technology that is used on modern Tejas variants, improving combat readiness and training quality.
HAL has equipped the final Tejas FOC trainer aircraft with the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar, providing advanced target detection and tracking capabilities.
The Uttam AESA Radar is an indigenous radar developed by DRDO for future Tejas aircraft and other Indian combat platforms as part of India’s defence self-reliance initiative.
