Operation Sindoor effect? India to induct Tejas A1 variant fighter jet with new Israeli scan tech

The Indian Air Force is set to receive advanced Tejas A1 variant later this month, more than a year after the scheduled delivery, according to a report read more
The Indian Air Force is set to receive advanced Tejas A1 variant later this month, more than a year after the scheduled delivery.
The delay, largely attributed to supply chain issues, comes at a time when regional tensions with Pakistan have sharpened the need for modern combat aircraft.
According to a Jerusalem Post report, the new Tejas A1 variant represents a significant leap in capability, integrating cutting-edge Israeli technology to bring the aircraft closer to Western standards.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The jet features an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar developed by Elta Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, replacing an earlier radar model. Elta is also supplying an advanced electronic warfare system for the aircraft, added the report.
Pilots will benefit from a state-of-the-art helmet-mounted display developed by Israel's Elbit Systems, while Rafael's radar-guided Derby missiles will arm the aircraft, enhancing its air-to-air combat potential, reported Jerusalem Post.
Critical moment for defence sector
This marks a critical moment for India's defence sector, as the A1 variant is the first of 83 Tejas jets ordered under a new production contract. Each of these aircraft will be equipped with multimillion-dollar Israeli systems manufactured in India through joint ventures with local firms, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' policy.
According to the report, citing defence analysts, the Tejas A1 will be outfitted with more Israeli systems than many Israeli Air Force jets, which continue to use American radars due to US export restrictions.
India's reliance on the indigenous Tejas to replace its aging MiG-21 and Jaguar fleets is part of a broader modernisation effort. However, the transition has faced hurdles.
The IAF currently operates just 31 fighter squadrons, well short of the planned 42, due in part to delays in domestic aircraft production.
The Air Force has already inducted 40 Tejas fighters from an earlier production run. However, the rollout of the newer A1 model was pushed back by engine delivery delays from US-based General Electric, as well as previous bottlenecks involving Israeli components.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
India continues to grapple with a strategic debate between pursuing high-quality foreign systems and developing homegrown technology, which has often faced criticism for inconsistent performance.
While the Ministry of Defence's research arm pushes for indigenous innovation, military branches have frequently preferred proven foreign alternatives.
Looking ahead, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) is already working on a more advanced version of the Tejas. The upcoming model will feature canard wings, improved range, and upgraded systems, reported Jerusalem Post.
Israeli, French, and American defence firms are currently in competition to supply the next wave of onboard technology.
India-Pakistan tensions
On May 7, India carried out precision strikes under 'Operation Sindoor' on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations.
India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
With inputs from agencies

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

First Post

31 minutes ago

• First Post

Heightened tensions in West Asia pull Sensex & Nifty down, but defence stocks soar

Shares of Apollo Micro Systems and IdeaForge Technology surged 10% each. GRSE stocks rose 6.25%, while Swan Defence and Heavy Industries gained nearly 5% read more A man passes by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building on the day of Union Budget 2025-26 presentation, in Mumbai. File image/PTI Indian equity markets slid Monday as tensions in the Middle East escalated after the United States launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, unnerving investors and triggering broad-based selling across major indices. The benchmark BSE Sensex fell 511.38 points, or 0.62 per cent, to close at 81,896.79. It had dropped as much as 931.41 points, or 1.13 per cent, earlier in the session. The NSE Nifty declined 140.50 points, or 0.56 per cent, to settle at 24,971.90. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Markets reacted to news that the US had directly entered the Israel-Iran conflict by striking Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites over the weekend. While the conflict raised concerns about broader regional instability and energy supply disruptions, initial fears around oil shocks remained contained. Brent crude gained 0.49 per cent to trade at $77.39 a barrel. The rising geopolitical uncertainty weighed on frontline indices, but Indian defence sector stocks rallied strongly on expectations of higher spending and order flows. Shares of Apollo Micro Systems and IdeaForge Technology surged 10 per cent. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers rose 6.25 per cent, while Swan Defence and Heavy Industries gained up to 5 per cent. The sector's outperformance followed months of recovery. After a five-month period of weakness attributed to valuation concerns, defence stocks began to rebound in March and gained further traction in April and May. The momentum intensified after Operation Sindoor, during which India showcased its indigenous defence capabilities, including intercepting drones and missiles launched by Pakistan, according to a report by The Mint. Sentiment was further lifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent reiteration of the government's commitment to self-reliance in defence production under the Make in India initiative. Despite the day's volatility, select capital goods and metals stocks provided support to the market. Investors monitored global cues closely, with attention focused on whether Iran would retaliate further or escalate the conflict into the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Market participants are expected to remain cautious amid heightened geopolitical risks, even as underlying domestic trends in select sectors remain resilient. With inputs from agencies

News18

32 minutes ago

• News18

Friend, ‘F*** Him' To Joining His War: How Trump's Equation With Netanyahu Changed Over The Years

Is US President Donald Trump a friend of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? Have they always been friends? How has their equation changed over Trump's two tenures? US President Donald Trump on Saturday entered the Israel-Iran war by conducting strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Through the start of Israel's Operation Rising Lion, Trump has been vocal about his stand against Iran and support for Israel's moves. 'Congratulations, President Trump, your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history," Netanyahu said in a video on X after the US strikes on Iran. From an alliance during Trump's first term, to tension, and now a renewed but cautious strategic partnership, a look at their relationship: Trump shared a close bond with Netanyahu during his first term leading to some major moves and even praise in public. In 2017, Trump formally recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a major diplomatic victory for Netanyahu. The US embassy was moved there in 2018. Two years later, Trump signed an executive order recognising Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. In 2020, Trump brokered the Abraham Accords, the normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab states — UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco, with Netanyahu involved. Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018 and often called Netanyahu 'a great prime minister" and 'a friend." AFTER 2021 Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden in 2020 before Trump conceded the election. Trump viewed this as a betrayal, reportedly saying: 'F*** him." In various interviews, Trump accused Netanyahu of being disloyal and self-serving. 2023-2025 During his second term, Trump and Netanyahu are sharing a relationship that can be called conditional cooperation. As Israel attacked Iran, Trump publicly backed Israel's right to self-defense. He also supported Netanyahu's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The US President has now moved U.S. strategic bombers into the region. However, despite their military cooperation, Trump has not praised Netanyahu personally. Media reports have defined their meetings 'professional, not friendly". According to the Israeli media, Netanyahu sees Trump as 'useful but unpredictable". After the Saturday strikes, Netanyahu said, ''In tonight's action against Iran's nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed. It has done what no other country on Earth could do. History will recall that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime, the world's most dangerous weapons… President Trump and I often say: 'Peace through strength.' First comes strength, then comes peace. And tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with a lot of strength." Trump spoke to Netanyahu after the US military launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, a senior White House official told AFP Saturday. The United States also 'gave Israel a heads-up before the strikes" as Trump joined the Israeli forces in the ongoing conflict. With Agency Inputs Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 23, 2025, 19:37 IST

Time of India

33 minutes ago

• Time of India

Where is 400 kg enriched uranium? Iran claims to secretly move nuclear material to undisclosed location before US airstrikes hit nuclear sites. Here's how uranium may have been transported secretly

Iran has claimed that it secretly moved most of its enriched uranium to an undisclosed location before the United States launched coordinated airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. The strikes targeted three major enrichment sites in Iran, but reports suggest that key nuclear materials were not present at the time. United States Attack Early on Sunday, US forces attacked three of Iran's main enrichment sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. B-2 bombers and submarine-launched missiles were used in the operation. According to satellite imagery, the Fordow site sustained heavy damage. Isfahan was also hit, though it reportedly held little enriched uranium during the strike. Natanz had already been damaged earlier by Israeli attacks, which impacted its electrical systems. Where is 400 kilograms enriched uranium? Reports from Israeli officials and defense analysts confirmed that Iran moved about 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity before the attacks. The material was likely relocated from Fordow and Isfahan to a secret place. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi said his team last saw the fuel a week before the strikes. He stated Iran had made efforts to protect the material. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo Also Read: Which country can give nuclear warheads to Iran? Russia's Dmitriy Medvedev says US strikes may backfire as Iran may now begin nuclear weapons production and procure nuclear warheads from other nations Concerns Over Hidden Stockpiles Though the US claimed it destroyed Iran's nuclear capabilities, officials have admitted they do not know the location of the moved uranium. Iran's continued ability to produce nuclear weapons depends on its remaining centrifuges and infrastructure. Analysts believe rebuilding could take years, but it is still a security concern. Live Events Calls for Inspections and Negotiations At an emergency meeting in Vienna, IAEA chief Grossi urged for renewed access to Iran's nuclear sites. He asked for cooperation from Iran and international leaders to account for the uranium stockpile , especially the 400 kilograms enriched to 60%. Advanced Centrifuges and Enrichment Iran had been using advanced centrifuge models like IR-2m and IR-6 before the strikes. These machines shorten the time required to produce weapons-grade uranium. According to the Arms Control Association, Iran could have built a nuclear bomb in under two weeks with its earlier capacity. Also Read: Strait of Hormuz Closure: What is Iran's next move as regime takes final call to close Strait of Hormuz with Yemen joining Iran in war against US and Israel? See if Russia may come to Iran's aid in war How Uranium may have been transported secretly? Uranium is stored in reinforced steel containers and transported with added protective casing. Movement by road, rail, or sea is possible. Satellite imagery captured convoys and construction vehicles at Fordow days before the US strikes, suggesting a planned relocation of materials. Iran's Defiance and Future Steps Iran's deputy foreign minister declared that Iran would not halt its nuclear program. US and Israeli officials remain concerned about Iran's future plans. Monitoring the next 24 hours is key, said US Vice President JD Vance. FAQs Where did Iran move its enriched uranium before the airstrikes? Iran reportedly moved the uranium to an undisclosed location, possibly days before the US strikes. The IAEA is seeking access to verify the current location and stockpiles. Is Iran still capable of making a nuclear weapon after the US attacks? Yes, if Iran rebuilds its centrifuges and facilities, it could still produce a nuclear weapon. However, this process may take years depending on available resources and hidden infrastructure.