Dubai Air Show: India's LCA Tejas, Equipped With UAE-Made Al-Tariq PGM, Sparks Speculation On Exports

Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating at the Dubai Air Show with indigenously designed and developed, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactured Tejas and ALH Dhruv helicopters.

The Dubai Air Show, taking place in Dubai, is scheduled to be held from 13 to 17 November.

Sarang helicopter display team, using the advanced light helicopters (ALH) Dhruv, and Tejas, are participating in both the static and aerial displays of the air show.

At the static display Tejas was seen with Edge Group's 'Al-Tariq' family of long-range precision guided munitions (PGMs). Edge Group is a state-owned UAE company, which makes weapons including bombs and missiles, for the UAE armed forces.

Edge Group also announced today (14 November) the completion of the feasibility study of integration of Al Tariq PGMs over Tejas jets.

According to the Edge Group's announcement, the full integration and qualification of the PGM on Tejas will be completed by the third quarter of 2024.

The Al Tariq family of modular, all-weather, day/night LR-PGMs is designed to fit onto the Mark 80 series and the Indian-designed high-speed low drag series of aerial munitions.

The addition of a wing kit converts the Al Tariq-S (Standard Range) to the Al Tariq-LR (Long Range), extending the stand-off range from 45km to 120km.

Al-Tariq PGM uses anti-jamming global positioning system navigation satellite system for reaching close to the target, while the terminal guidance is provided by an optional imaging infrared receiver or a semi-active laser.

Their presence alongside Tejas at the Dubai Air Show has sparked speculation about the export of Al Tariq armed Tejas to the UAE. There were media reports, as well, which suggested that UAE may buy Tejas fighter jets from India.

During Aero India 2023, held in February, Bharat Dynamic Limited (BDL) signed an agreement with 'AL TARIQ' (a joint venture between Edge and South African based weapons manufacturer Denel) to manufacture missiles and underwater weapons, including production of Al Tariq PGMs in India.

Furthermore, AL TARIQ and HAL also signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the integration of these PGMs onto Tejas, for enhanced precision strike capabilities.