Source : IgMp Bureau
India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A is poised to enhance its combat capabilities with the introduction of a new weapon – an anti-AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) missile derived from the DRDO-developed STAR missile. This homegrown missile showcases an impressive range of 300 kilometers, significantly reinforcing the Tejas’s capacity to counter airborne threats.
Tailored for air-to-air engagement, the STAR missile variant is purpose-built to neutralize slow-moving, high-value airborne platforms such as AWACS aircraft, aerial refuelers, and airborne jammers. These platforms play pivotal roles in enemy air operations, providing vital intelligence and support. By outfitting the Tejas Mk1A with this anti-AWACS capability, India stands to disrupt enemy air strategies and gain a substantial edge in aerial combat scenarios.
Powered by ramjet propulsion, the STAR-based anti-AWACS missile heralds a paradigm shift in air-to-air combat. Unlike conventional rocket motors, ramjets forego carrying their oxidizer (typically oxygen) onboard, relying instead on atmospheric oxygen scooped in during flight. This unique mechanism enables them to achieve extended range and enhanced efficiency.
With a range of 300 kilometers, the STAR missile empowers the Tejas Mk1A to engage enemy AWACS and support aircraft from a safe distance, minimizing its vulnerability to threats. The ramjet propulsion system ensures sustained high velocity throughout the missile’s trajectory, facilitating swift engagement and augmenting the probability of success against even maneuvering targets.
The synergy between the Tejas Mk1A’s agility and the STAR missile’s extended range and velocity constitutes a formidable force multiplier. This indigenous weapon system is poised to effectively neutralize critical enemy airborne assets, potentially tipping the scales in aerial confrontations.
The integration of the anti-AWACS missile marks a significant stride in India’s indigenous defense capabilities. With this enhancement, the Tejas Mk1A emerges as a more versatile and formidable fighter aircraft, adept at confronting a broader spectrum of aerial threats.
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