After Israeli and French Precision Guided Munitions, Tejas Mk1A integrated with the JDAM-ER, expanding its arsenal of dangerous munitions
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| Image Credit : Praneeth Franklin/X @Praneethfrank |
The Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A is enhancing its reputation as a powerful multirole fighter with the recent integration of the Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER). This development, first reported by idrw.org, indicates that the JDAM-ER systems, ordered in 2022, have begun to arrive from the United States. This upgrade significantly boosts the Tejas Mk1A’s already impressive inventory of advanced munitions from various global suppliers, showcasing its adaptability and interoperability.
IAF Tejas getting more lethal with each passing day. Wow pic by @Praneethfrank pic.twitter.com/b6XrKWd276
— Harsh Vardhan Thakur (@hvtiaf_bharat) October 23, 2024
The JDAM-ER, developed by Boeing, is a guidance kit that transforms unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions through GPS guidance. The extended-range variant enhances the bomb's range to over 70 km, enabling the aircraft to engage targets from a safer distance. This capability is particularly vital in modern aerial combat, where long-range precision strikes are crucial for mission success. With the JDAM-ER, the Tejas Mk1A can execute effective strikes while minimizing exposure to enemy air defense systems.
The arrival of this system from the U.S. not only strengthens the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strike capabilities but also signifies an increasing defense collaboration between India and the United States. Incorporating the JDAM-ER into the Tejas Mk1A’s arsenal adds to its operational flexibility and enhances its ability to conduct precision strikes in various combat situations.
With the integration of the JDAM-ER, the Tejas Mk1A now boasts a broad spectrum of smart munitions from different nations. The Indian fighter jet is already equipped with the following advanced weapon systems:
Griffin Laser-Guided Bomb (Israel): The Griffin LGB is another precision-guided munition featured in the Tejas Mk1A’s arsenal. Developed by Elbit Systems, it employs laser guidance to accurately hit designated targets. Its lightweight design enables the aircraft to carry multiple bombs, allowing for comprehensive strike missions in a single sortie.
AASM Hammer (France): The Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM) Hammer is a precision-guided air-to-ground munition created by Safran Electronics & Defense. It provides exceptional accuracy and is effective in all weather conditions. With a range of 60 km, the Hammer can engage both fixed and moving targets with high precision, making it ideal for various battlefield scenarios. Its modular design permits multiple guidance modes, including GPS, laser, and infrared, offering enhanced operational flexibility.
JDAM-ER (United States): As noted, this new addition dramatically extends the Tejas Mk1A’s strike capabilities, providing pinpoint accuracy for targets deep within enemy territory.
The incorporation of these advanced weapon systems into the Tejas Mk1A illustrates India’s capability to procure cutting-edge military technology from multiple sources. France, the United States, and Israel are key defense partners for India, and the diverse origins of these smart munitions reflect India’s strategic defense collaborations worldwide. By equipping the Tejas Mk1A with sophisticated armaments from these nations, India ensures that its fleet is outfitted with top-tier tools for a variety of combat situations.
This diverse suite of smart munitions enhances the Tejas Mk1A’s operational effectiveness across multi-domain combat environments. Whether engaging ground targets with pinpoint accuracy using the AASM Hammer or JDAM-ER, or neutralizing high-value assets with the Griffin LGB, the Tejas Mk1A can undertake a broad range of missions, from deep-strike operations to close air support.
The Tejas Mk1A’s expanding armament capabilities reinforce its role as a versatile combat platform within the IAF. Originally conceived as a lightweight, multirole fighter, the integration of advanced weapons like the JDAM-ER has broadened its operational scope. This evolution represents a significant advancement for the IAF, especially as the aircraft is poised to play a crucial role in replacing older platforms such as the MiG-21.
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