According to India Today, indigenous LCA Tejas fighter jets will be armed with bombs fitted with U.S.-made JDAM guidance kits which would help the Indian Air Force target enemy positions with pinpoint accuracy. The emergency powers were given to the armed forces because of the ongoing conflict with the People’s Liberation Army of China in the Eastern Ladakh sector.
India has placed orders for American Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) precision-guided bombing kits to enhance the capabilities of its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. The acquisition of JDAM kits under delegated financial powers by the Air Force will enable Tejas jets to take out enemy bunkers and runways at 80 km and distances beyond, India Today writes. It would enable the Tejas to carry out Balakot-like airstrikes with more accuracy and precision.
India has already activated two LCA Tejas fighter squadrons and is looking to get four more in a couple of years. They will replace the outgoing MiG-21 inventory. “LCA Tejas is a far better aircraft than the Chinese developed JF-17 and the HAMMER would take it ahead of their fleet in strike capabilities,” an official said, echoed by India Today.