Latest news with #TEJASMK-2


News18
5 days ago
- News18
Tejas MK-2 To Get Meteor Missile And Uttam Radar, Enabling 200 km Strikes At 5,000 kmph
Last Updated: The Meteor missile, a top BVR weapon, features a throttleable ramjet engine, active radar seeker, and two-way data link for superior range and target tracking The Indian Air Force is set to significantly enhance its air-to-air attack capabilities with the integration of the state-of-the-art Meteor missile (Meteor Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile – BVRAAM) into the indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas MK-2. This development will make Tejas MK-2, a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft, even more powerful, positioning it as a competitor to the Rafale. The aircraft, developed by DRDO, will also be equipped with modern radar systems and ultra-modern weapons, including the BrahMos cruise supersonic missile, boosting its strike capability. The Meteor missile, recognised as one of the world's deadliest BVR weapons, features advanced technologies such as a throttleable ramjet propulsion system, an active radar seeker, and a two-way data link. Unlike missiles with a solid rocket motor, the Meteor's ramjet engine provides continuous thrust during flight, adjustable as needed. This allows the missile to maintain speeds exceeding Mach 4 (5000 kilometres per hour) until the terminal phase, conserving fuel in mid-course and increasing thrust near the target for sharp manoeuvres, reducing the chances of the enemy escaping. No Escape For The Enemy The two-way data link enables mid-course updates and re-targeting by utilising real-time data from TEJAS MK-2's Uttam AESA radar or other networked sensors. This feature ensures accuracy and lethality even amid heavy electronic jamming, allowing TEJAS MK-2 to engage targets based on its radar and third-party platforms, providing comprehensive network-centric warfare capabilities. Uttam AESA Radar: The Perfect Partner For Meteor The Uttam AESA radar, a vital component of TEJAS MK-2, utilises Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, enabling detection of fighter-sized targets at distances of 200 km or more. It is more power-efficient and resistant to electronic jamming compared to older radars. The radar's sensor fusion capability, combined with Meteor, allows TEJAS MK-2 to detect, lock, and eliminate enemies at long distances. On Par With Leading Fighter Jets Meteor is currently part of cutting-edge fighter jets like Rafale, Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-35. Its integration into TEJAS MK-2 will provide India with similar, if not superior, BVR capabilities. With Meteor, TEJAS MK-2 will be able to strike from long distances while staying out of danger, instilling confidence in pilots to shoot first and kill first, significantly enhancing their survival chances in high-threat environments. This combination of the Meteor missile and Uttam AESA radar will provide the Indian Air Force with a decisive edge in modern air warfare. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
India's deadliest weapon set to become more powerful, to be equipped with..., will destroy enemies with top speed...
The indigenous TEJAS MK-2 fighter jet will be equipped with the latest and most sophisticated Meteor missile (Meteor Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile – BVRAAM). This will substantially improve the air-to-air attack capability of the Indian Air Force using TEJAS MK-2. It is viewed as a 4.5-generation fighter; the TEJAS MK-2 has numerous features that make it a strong competitor to the Rafale. It can be equipped with modern AESA radar systems and advanced weaponry. The TEJAS MK-2 developed by DRDO will also be integrated with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, adding to the striking ability and lethality. The Meteor missile's biggest strength is the large No Escape Zone (NEZ) — the distance an enemy aircraft cannot evade the missile once it enters the range. This zone is many times bigger than conventional missiles. According to the media reports, their strike range is officially stated as over 100 km, but many estimate it can range 200 km or more. This capability gives the TEJAS MK-2 a crucial first-strike advantage, enabling it to engage and neutralize enemy aircraft before they come within their own attack range. The Meteor missile's two-way data link enables the Uttam AESA radar or other sensors in the TEJAS MK-2 network to receive real-time data to update the missile mid-course and re-target. This will provide accuracy and lethality in a highly contested electronic jamming environment. With this capability, the TEJAS MK-2 can launch attacks not only using its own radar but also by acquiring target information from third-party platforms, enabling fully network-centric warfare. The indigenous Uttam AESA radar installed in the TEJAS MK-2 will have Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology which will allow it to point fighter-sized targets at more than 200 km. It will even make it a efficient power usage radar and then it will also be better for electronic jamming. The sensor fusion and seamless link with the Meteor missile means the TEJAS MK-2 has a far better capability to detect, track and kill enemies at long ranges. The Meteor missile is already found on advanced multi-role combat aircraft such as the Rafale, Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-35. And with India's integration of the Meteor on the TEJAS MK-2, India will have essentially, if not better, BVR capabilities recognized with its operational requirements. The introduction of the Meteor to the TEJAS MK-2 would command a long-range enemy target under attack capability while keeping the TEJAS MK-2 out of reach from armaments. This increase in distance to destroy the enemy target gives the pilot increased confidence to 'shoot first, kill first,' which seriously improves survivability, even in a high-threat environment. The Meteor missile capability combined with the Uttam AESA radar gives the Indian Air Force a critical advantage in 21st-century air combat.