India’s quest for defense self-reliance is facing a fresh challenge. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the indigenous Tejas fighter jet, has reportedly selected Israel’s ELTA Systems again to provide foreign radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems for 43 Tejas Mk1A jets. This move comes even as DRDO claims its indigenous systems, including the UTTAM AESA radar and "Swarn Kavach" EW suite, are production-ready and trial-tested.
But there’s a twist to this story.
In 2021, the Indian Air Force signed a deal worth ₹48,000 crore for 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. It was clearly stated that the first 40 jets would use imported systems, but starting from the 41st aircraft, DRDO's UTTAM AESA radar and indigenous EW systems would be integrated.
However, in a surprising move, HAL has now issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to ELTA Systems of Israel for 43 more jets, citing that DRDO’s systems are not fully certified yet.
DRDO strongly disagrees with this claim. According to the agency, the UTTAM AESA radar was cleared for production back in 2023. In an official communication released in April 2025, DRDO confirmed that all four mandatory trials for the radar had been successfully completed.
Moreover, DRDO has proposed a compromise: if the EW system isn’t ready, a hybrid configuration can be used—indigenous radar combined with imported EW suite. This suggests that DRDO is not backing down and is actively urging HAL to show confidence in Indian innovation.
So, what exactly is this UTTAM AESA radar?
AESA stands for Active Electronically Scanned Array. It’s a state-of-the-art radar technology that uses hundreds of tiny transmit-receive modules to electronically steer the beam. This results in faster detection, multi-target tracking, and strong resistance to jamming.
DRDO’s UTTAM radar can track over 50 targets at a range exceeding 100 kilometers. It is scalable and can be adapted for future platforms like AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) and TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter).
On the other hand, the Israeli EL/M-2052 radar can reportedly track 60+ targets but is a foreign system. That means India doesn’t have control over its source code. In times of war or sanctions, this poses a strategic risk.
This decision by HAL has sparked a debate among defense analysts. While some, like Rajiv Nayan, argue that this is part of the original contract and does not imply rejection of DRDO’s radar, others believe the foreign lobby is again influencing India’s defense procurement decisions.
According to sources quoted in Navbharat Times, countries like the US, Israel, and France deliberately try to keep indigenous systems out of key contracts. Their concern is that a self-reliant India would end their billion-dollar defense deals in the long term.
India is at a strategic crossroads. Having built platforms like BrahMos and the Agni series of missiles, it now needs to trust its radar and EW capabilities too. DRDO has proven its technology through multiple successful trials and missions.
DRDO is also confident that its Swarn Kavach EW suite will be fully certified even before the 41st Tejas Mk1A jet is ready for integration. It has given HAL a middle-ground option—use UTTAM radar with foreign EW if needed. The ball is now in HAL’s court.
The real issue here is not just about one radar or EW system. It’s about India’s defense future. If India continues to opt for foreign technology every time there’s a minor delay, when will it become truly self-reliant?
Whether UTTAM radar finds its place in Tejas Mk1A or not, DRDO is already preparing it for upcoming platforms like Tejas Mk2, AMCA, and TEDBF. These future aircraft will likely carry fully indigenous combat electronics.
India today is not the India of the past. It cannot afford to be dependent on external players for critical military systems. UTTAM AESA radar and Swarn Kavach are not just technologies—they symbolize strategic autonomy and national confidence.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on public reports, official statements, and expert analysis. The situation is evolving, and further updates from HAL, DRDO, or the Ministry of Defence may provide additional context. The intent of this article is to highlight the debate between foreign reliance and indigenous capability in India’s defense ecosystem.
