DRDO Swayam Raksha Kavach: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has started flight tests of its new electronic warfare system called Swayam Raksha Kavach. This system is being fitted into the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A, which is made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
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DRDO Flight trials for Swayam Raksha Kavach
According to a DRDO official at the Samanvay 2025 industry summit in Bengaluru, the Swayam Raksha Kavach system is already being tested on an LCA Tejas Mk1A. The defence news platform Janes confirmed this report. The name Swayam Raksha Kavach means “self-protection shield,” and it truly works like one. The system was developed by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems and is expected to be ready for full use by 2026. Work on it first started in 2021.
This new technology is designed to keep fighter aircraft safe from enemy radar and missiles. It includes a wide-spectrum radar warning receiver, known as RWR that can detect when enemy radars are locking onto the aircraft.
It also has an advanced self-protection jammer (ASPJ) that uses digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) technology. This jammer tricks and confuses enemy radars by sending back fake signals, making it harder for enemies to track or target the aircraft. This system makes Tejas Mk1A more stealthy and harder to detect during air combat.
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The LCA Tejas Mk1A is India’s pride and one of the most advanced fighter jets built in the country. Adding the Swayam Raksha Kavach to it will make it much stronger in modern warfare. The Tejas is already known for its agility and performance, but this system will adds an extra layer of safety for pilots during missions. The system will help the aircraft survive in dangerous enemy environments filled with electronic and radar-based threats.
Reports also said that the Indian government signed a major deal in September to buy 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft from HAL. The contract includes 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seater versions.
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This is not DRDO’s first success in developing electronic warfare systems. Earlier, it made the D-29 electronic warfare suite for the Indian Air Force’s MiG-29 fighter jets. Now, DRDO has modernised that older system to make it even more advanced. The new Swayam Raksha Kavach builds on that experience and uses better sensors, faster processors, and smarter software.
