HAL Issues Radar Tender For Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas'

Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) has issued a limited tender to buy AESA (active electronically scanned array) radars for an under-development Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas' from global aviation firms.

Apart from US, Israel is also a front-runner in the race to win the tender, an official was quoted as saying by The Economic Times Thursday.

The tender in the form of expression of interest (EOI) was issued on Wednesday to five of global aviation technology firms.

The EOI was floated by Aviation Research and Design Centre (ARDC), one of the 10 design centers of HAL that is engaged in design and development of LCA Tejas.

The extensive presentation on the matter is given, as “we have been in touch with the HAL for last two years.” Head of contender companies said IANS.

The HAL has been engaging with global manufacturers with regard to the AESA radars. "The imported radar will require customization to suit the LCA's requirements and this would be done jointly by the ARDC and the vendor," the official added.

However, still it is unclear if some of the radars will be manufactured in India or be a totally off-the-shelf purchase, he added. It is assumed that about 100 radars would be procured through this tender.

AESA radar detects flying objects through electronic steering of radio waves and are found to be more effective than mechanically scanned radar.

The Bengaluru-based Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing AESA radar for Tejas Mark II. It is expected to deliver the radars to the HAL by 2018.