India's Strategic Alliance: Revealing the Advanced Al-Tariq Collaboration

Al Tariq-LR, a long-range precision-guided munition (PGM) produced by Al Tariq, a part of the UAE's EDGE Group, is a standout component of the Al Tariq family of precision munition kits. It aims to transform unguided aerial munitions into high-precision, longer-range, smart munitions using advanced guidance and propulsion technologies. This family includes standard-range precision-guided munitions as well.

Deployment and Exhibition

The LR system offers armed forces long-range standoff capabilities, delivering precise strikes against a variety of high-priority targets, be they fixed, off-axis, moving, or relocatable. Exhibited at various events like the World Defense Show in Riyadh, DEFEXPO 2022 in India, and the Bahrain International Airshow, it garnered attention and interest from global defence audiences. The LR was also presented at DUBAI Airshow 2023.

AL-Tariq LR PGM

 

LCA Tejas with AL-Tariq PGM

Defence Expo 2022, Gujarat

Order and Collaborations

HALCON, an EDGE Group subsidiary, secured a significant contract from the UAE Armed Forces to supply Al Tariq-LR PGMs. This deal, worth AED1bn, focuses on enhancing the UAE's air strike capabilities with the latest Block II upgrades. Moreover, collaborations were initiated with Bharat Dynamics (BDL) and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) in India during Aero India 2023 to explore joint production and integration opportunities.

MoU signed Between EDGE group and HAL

Development Background

Originally developed by Tawazun Dynamics, a joint venture between Tawazun and Denel Dynamics, these guidance systems were later integrated into Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC) before becoming part of EDGE Group. The Al Tariq systems find their roots in Denel Dynamics’ Umbani precision-guided bomb kit and are successfully integrated with the 1,000lb HSLD 450/Mk 83 bomb.

Design and Capabilities

The Al Tariq-LR PGM, weighing between 310kg and 366kg, operates in all weather conditions and provides day and night operational capabilities. Its range exceeds 120km, and the system includes a wing kit, enhancing pilot safety with increased stand-off range. The munition's modular design and cockpit fuse programming offer high operational flexibility. It supports wireless programming from the aircraft’s cockpit and MIL-STD-1760 databus connections.

Warheads and Features

These guidance kits integrate with Mk 81, Mk 82, and Mk 83 aerial bombs and include a newly developed high-performance 500lb penetration warhead. Equipped with a proximity sensor, the Al Tariq-LR PGM offers height-of-burst functionality for accurate strikes against strategic infrastructure.

MK-82 bomb

MK 83

 

Navigation and Guidance 

Block II upgrades enhanced navigation systems with advanced GNSS receiver technology and anti-jamming GPS solutions. It employs GNSS, optional imaging infrared (IIR) with automatic target recognition (ATR), or a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker for precise targeting. Claiming an accuracy of less than 10m CEP (Circular Error Probable), and less than 3m with IIR or SAL, the system offers variable dive angles and attack directions. It supports both Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL) and Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) modes and allows retargeting post-launch.

 

Schematic Diagram of ATR Credits: Song Tu

Autonomous Target Acquisition: Al Tariq enables autonomous target acquisition from a significant distance, allowing stand-off engagement.

Enhanced Stand-off Range: The system can incorporate wing kits or additional motors to increase stand-off range and support low-level launches while maintaining straight and level flight.

Programmable Attack Angles: It allows for programmable attack angles from straight above (0 degrees) to 90 degrees, offering versatility in engagement tactics.

Adaptability and Customization: Al Tariq supports different adaptations, including various seekers, fuzes, and warheads while using a common airframe, offering flexibility for different mission requirements.

Characteristics:

Range and Accuracy: Depending on its configuration, the system boasts a range of over 100 km, with accuracy as low as 3 meters CEP (Circular Error Probable) for laser or IIR guidance.

Warhead Compatibility: Compatible with MK81, MK82, and their variants, allowing for flexibility in payload selection.

Launch Envelope: Offers a large launch envelope, providing a broad range of engagement possibilities.

Integration and Autonomy: Features wireless integration capability with the launch aircraft and operates fully autonomously once released, reducing the need for constant human intervention.

Modularity and Maintenance: Its modular design ensures ease of maintenance, low life-cycle costs, and minimal logistics equipment required for support.

User-friendly Interface: Designed for ease of use, enabling straightforward operation by military personnel.

Extended Range Module: Additionally, an Extended Range (ER) module is available, which can further extend the range to 200 km for specific mission requirements.