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| Indian Iadigenous Air Tactical Control AESA Radar |
India's Indigenous Radar Systems Advance with AESA Technology Push
India's
defense infrastructure is undergoing significant modernization through
locally developed radar systems, with a major shift toward Active
Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. Key systems include the
Rajendra radar for medium-range air defense, capable of tracking 64
targets simultaneously, and the Swathi Weapon Locating Radar, which
provides critical artillery detection capabilities.
The
indigenous portfolio spans ground, aerial, and naval applications. The
Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR) serves all three military branches,
while the Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar, derived from Israeli
technology, can track objects as small as a cricket ball at 1,000
kilometers.
DRDO is actively developing next-generation systems
with enhanced capabilities for detecting emerging threats like drone
swarms and hypersonic missiles. Future developments will incorporate
artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve detection speeds
and automate responses.
This expansion of indigenous radar
capabilities represents a strategic push toward technological
self-reliance in India's defense sector, crucial for maintaining
regional security balance
Indigenous Firms
Several Indian firms, both state-owned and private, play a crucial role in manufacturing and developing indigenous radar systems. Key contributors include:
1. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
- DRDO is the primary organization driving the research, development, and prototyping of radar technologies.
- Radar Systems:
- Rajendra Radar (part of the Akash Missile System).
- Swathi Weapon Locating Radar.
- Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar.
2. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL):
- A state-owned enterprise specializing in defense electronics.
- Acts as the primary production partner for DRDO-developed radar systems.
- Contributions:
- Mass production of systems like 3D-CAR, Swathi, and Akash radar systems.
- Development of naval and ground-based radar systems.
- Known for integrating AESA technology into Indian radars.
3. Larsen & Toubro (L&T):
- A leading private-sector player in defense manufacturing.
- Known for collaboration with DRDO and global firms for high-end radar components.
- Contributions:
- Naval radar systems and radar-mounted platforms.
- Components for long-range and surveillance radars.
4. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL):
- Focused on aerospace and defense technologies.
- Partnered with DRDO for developing critical radar components.
- Contributions:
- Integration and support for DRDO’s radar systems.
- Research in AI-enabled radar applications.
5. Data Patterns (India) Ltd.:
- A private-sector firm specializing in electronics for defense.
- Contributions:
- Development of radar subsystems.
- Support for DRDO and BEL in radar integration.
6. Mahindra Defence Systems:
- Active in the defense electronics space.
- Collaborates on radar platforms for ground-based applications and surveillance systems.
7. Foreign Collaborations:
- Some radar systems, like the Swordfish, are based on technologies adapted from Israel (Elta Systems). Indian firms collaborate with global players for components and knowledge sharing while ensuring indigenous production.
These firms, along with DRDO’s innovations, form the backbone of India’s indigenous radar manufacturing ecosystem, advancing the nation toward self-reliance in defense technologies.
Categories of Indigenous Radars
India's indigenous radar systems, bolstered by the adoption of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, signify a major leap in the country's defense modernization efforts. Key highlights include:
-
Cutting-Edge Radar Systems:
- Rajendra Radar: Designed for medium-range air defense, it can track up to 64 targets simultaneously.
- Swathi Weapon Locating Radar: Provides advanced artillery detection, critical for battlefield effectiveness.
- 3D-CAR (Central Acquisition Radar): A versatile system serving the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
-
High-Performance Long-Range Detection:
- The Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar, adapted from Israeli technology, is a standout system. It can detect and track objects as small as a cricket ball from a distance of up to 1,000 kilometers.
-
Technological Innovations:
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively advancing radar systems with capabilities to counter evolving threats like drone swarms and hypersonic missiles.
- Integration of AI and machine learning is underway to enhance detection speeds, automate threat responses, and enable predictive capabilities.
-
Strategic Importance:
- These advancements underscore India's focus on technological self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
- Indigenous radar systems are critical for maintaining a strategic balance in a geopolitically sensitive region.
India’s push for indigenous radar development not only strengthens its defense capabilities but also supports its vision of becoming a global hub for advanced military technology.
List Of India’s Indigenous Radar Systems » DefenceXP - Indian Defence Network
Radar or RAdio Detection And Ranging is a system that uses reflection of radio waves to detect and track objects. It can determine the distance (ranging), direction (azimuth and elevation angles) and radial velocity of objects relative to the radar’s location.
The system consists of a transmitter producing EM waves, a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, a receiver and a processor. There are several types of radar. Most used types are listed below:
- Pulsed Radar: Short bursts of radio waves are sent out and time delay between the transmission and the echo is measured to determine the distance of the object.
- Continuous Wave Radar: transmits and receives high frequency signals continuously and uses the Doppler effect to distinguish between the transmitted and the weaker echo signal from a moving target and find its speed.
- Monopulse Radar: Sends out multiple beams of radio waves simultaneously and compares the signals received to provide accurate directional information.
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Generally mounted on aerial vehicles and uses the movement of the RADAR platform to simulate a large antenna; creating high resolution images
- Phased Array Radar: Uses an array of variably phased antennas to move the beam of radio wave electronically without moving the antenna.
Radar in the Indian Military:
The Indian Military, consisting of the army, Air Force and Navy houses an arsenal of radar systems that provide critical surveillance, targeting and defence capabilities. These can be broadly classified into ground, aerial and naval systems; moving or stationery. Together they form the backbone of India’s defence infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive protection against a wide variety of threats enhancing operational readiness across land, air, and sea.
Let’s look at some of the prominent ones-
Rajendra Radar (Ground):
Used primarily with the AKASH Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM), the Rajendra Radar is an advanced 3D phased-array radar system that serves as a fire control and target-tracking radar.
It is an integral part of India’s medium-range air defence network as it operates in the C-band, which is optimal for target-detection and tracking at medium ranges. The C-band is a microwave frequency range between 3.7-4.2 GHz which is less attenuated than higher frequency bands, making it suitable for use in the tropical region under severe weather conditions.
The Rajendra Radar can simultaneously track targets up to 64 targets with a range of 4-150 km. During engagements, it can track 4 assigned targets and upto 8 missiles. What makes it highly effective is its ability to track low cross-section targets i.e., stealth aircrafts and UAVs.
With an azimuth angle of 360 degrees and elevation of 30 degrees, the phased array technology is used to provide a 360-degree coverage without any mechanical movement, allowing a precise tracking and targeting of fast-moving airborne threats.
Mode of operation with SAM:
The Rajendra radar emits electromagnetic waves that travel through the atmosphere. When these waves encounter an object, it reflects back to the radar. By measuring the time delay between transmission and reception of signal by doppler effect, the radar calculates the distance, velocity and direction of the object. This information is fed into the Akash SAM system, allowing it to launch interceptors towards the threat and neutralise it.
Upcoming developments:
DRDO has taken up the project of enhancing the radar’s signal processing capabilities, which will allow it to handle even more targets and perform under adverse electronic warfare conditions. Since Rajendra Radar is a passive electronically scanned radar, future versions may come up incorporated with AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) which will increase both the range and tracking accuracy as well as the radar’s resilience against electronic jamming.
Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) (Ground):
During the testing of Akash SAM in Chandipur, the engineers noticed Rajendra radar’s capability to detect and track artillery shells being test fired at a nearby range. This led to the development of an indigenous weapon locating radar (Swathi WLR). Currently developed by BEL as a successor to Rajendra Radar, Swathi rose to fame within the Indian Army’s artillery after 1999 Kargil War. In 2008, the 28 units of Swathi WLR was inducted into the army.
The WLR is similar to AN/TPQ-37 radar in construction and performance. It is a PESA electronically steered Radar which can scan +/-45 degrees of azimuth for incoming rocket and mortar fire. The WLR has 360 degree scan capability because of its slewable antenna, which can rotate to +/-135 degrees within 30 seconds.
Operating at again C-band, the WLR has variable range for artillery (2-30 km), rockets (4-80 km) and mortars (2-20 km). Swathi can detect multiple projectiles and calculate the point of origin with high accuracy, enabling precise counter-fire operations. Simultaneously, 7 targets can be tracked. Mounted on a wheeled Tatra 8×8 truck platform, it can be rapidly relocated on the battlefield for evading enemy countermeasures.
Mode of operation:
Target tracking is done with monopulse signals with pulse compressions, improving the radar’s LPI ability (avoid detection by other radars). Swathi processors conduct real time signal processing of the reflected signals. The weapon locating algorithm uses CFAR (constant false alarm rate) technique to detect the target accurately. The incoming round’s trajectory is tracked and a computer program analyses the track data. The calculated point of origin is then reported to the operator and appropriate countermeasures are deployed.
The WLR features remote operation- data can be transmitted to a command center. Many radars are networked together to work concurrently- increasing the output accuracy and efficiency.
Upcoming developments:
DRDO is working on Swathi’s range and sensitivity to detect faster moving projectiles with smaller cross-sections like anti-tank guided missiles. Integration with UAVs is also under consideration for improved targeting and surveillance.
Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR) (Ground, Aerial and Naval):
Built by DRDO, the 3D-CAR is a vital long-range high res 3D radar system which operates within the S-band and is used by Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy for surveillance and target scouting. The Revathi variant is used by INS, whereas Rohini is used by the IAF and Army.
With a surveillance range of more than 200 km upto an elevation of 18 km, the radar employs a planar array antenna; providing simultaneous multi-beam coverage, handling more than 200 targets in scan mode. It can detect low altitude and supersonic aircrafts flying at over Mach 3.
The Rohini variant is mounted on aircrafts like Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). Revathi is used to equip the 4 anti-submarine warfare corvettes.
Mode of Operation:
3D-CAR uses phased array technology to scan the environment, generating a 3D map of the terrain. This allows it to track the altitude, velocity and direction of airborne objects; thereby providing an early warning to potential airborne threats.
DRDO is trying to incorporate AESA tech in the future iterations for faster target acquisition and better resistance against electronic warfare.
Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR):
A derivative of Israel’s EL/M-2080 Green Pine long range radar, the Swordfish is an Indian AESA radar specifically developed to counter ballistic missile threats. Operating in the L-range of frequency, the LRTR has a range of 600-800 km which can be upgraded to 1500 km. It is a multiple object tracking radar (MOTR) with fixed horizontal and vertical angle rotating at 360 degrees.
The Swordfish is capable of tracking a 0.25 m2 object (as small as a cricket ball of 3 inch diameter) at 1000 km and a 0.09 m2 object at 800 km. It can guide an exo-atmospheric interceptor missile PAD to hit the target in space at an altitude of 80km from earth while simultaneously tracking more than 200 targets travelling at over Mach 12.
As of January 2019, Swordfish LRTR was able to more than 10 missile interceptions, including two exo-atmospheric hit-to-kill missions. As of today, DRDO is trying to increase the range to 3000 km which can bring about a paradigm shift in the LRTR’s design.
Ashwini Radar:
The Ashwini radar is a vehicle mounted, ground base, rotating 4D radar system designed for low-level air surveillance. 4D radar systems have antennas that are arrayed both horizontally and vertically, which allows them to detect many different reflection points. The “4D” in 4D radar refers to the four dimensions of range, velocity, azimuth angle, and elevation angle.
Ashwini is a fully active medium range surveillance radar. With an instrumented range of 200 km, it can detect targets of 2 m2 cross-sections as far as 150 km away. The radar’s altitude coverage is 30 metres to 15 km, varying between its staring or rotating operation mode.
The antenna rotates at 7.5/15 rpm when in rotation mode, providing 360° azimuth and 40° elevation surveillance coverage. With a surveillance coverage of ±60o in azimuth and 40o in elevation, the antenna operates in the staring mode. The radar has electronic scanning capabilities in both azimuth and elevation and is based on a solid-state active aperture phased array with digital beam forming. A wide transmit beam and several receive beams in both azimuth and elevation are used to achieve the coverage.
Upcoming developments:
The radar is expected to be upgraded with improved resolution and tracking capabilities to handle newer, smaller, and faster threats like drones and hypersonic missiles.
INDRA Radar:
Indigenously developed by DRDO, Indra stands as a short form of Indian Doppler Radar.
Indra-1 is a 2D mobile surveillance radar, for low-level target detection. It is housed in two wheeled vehicles. This was a landmark project of DRDO, as the first large radar system designed and produced in record numbers for the defence forces. Featuring an automated track-while-scan that allocated a part of its power to scan and the rest to track, it also had an integrated IFF with a high scan rate for high-speed target detection. The IFF (identification friend or foe) is an electronic system that allows the military to identify aircrafts and vehicles as friendly, neutral or hostile.
IFF systems use transponders that listen for interrogation signals and send a response to identify the broadcaster. They typically use radar frequencies, but can also use other electromagnetic frequencies, radio, or infrared.
Indra Mk2 was a variant of Indra radar for ground-controlled interception of targets. This radar used pulse compressions for detection of low-flying aircrafts in heavy ground clutter with high range resolution and ECCM capabilities. ECCM or Electronic Counter-Countermeasure capabilities in radar meant elimination of enemy electronic countermeasures by jamming and deploying decoy systems, using frequency agility with sidelobe blanking and adaptive nulling.
The Indra variants had a range of upto 90 km with height coverage of 35 m to 3000 m subjected to radar horizon and can handle upto 200 tracks.
Shift to AESA Radars- Future of Airborne and Naval Defence:
The AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology is rapidly becoming the standard for modern radar systems due to its numerous advantages over traditional mechanical radars. These radars are already being integrated into both airborne and naval radar platforms in India.
Mode of operation:
In AESA systems, the radar’s transmitter and receiver are distributed across an array of solid-state elements, unlike conventional radars that use a rotating antenna. Each of its TRM (transmitter receiver module) generates and radiates its own independent signal, which allows the radar to direct its beam instantly in any direction without physically moving the antenna, providing faster target acquisition, greater tracking precision, and resilience to jamming.
Applications in Indian Military:
- Airborne platforms such as the AWACS and the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft are expected to be equipped with AESA radars to enhance their operational capabilities.
- Naval platforms like INS Vikramaditya and other warships will see the integration of AESA radars for better air defence, particularly against sophisticated missile threats.
Future Developments:
- The Indian Navy’s one of the largest aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant, is expected to deploy advanced AESA radar systems for both air surveillance and target reconnaissance.
- The Indian Air Force is also working on upgrading its fighter jets with AESA radars to ensure superior air dominance in the region.
- Advanced Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) Radars:
- The next generation of radars will feature improved IFF discrimination, allowing operators to distinguish between friendlies and foes along with integration of machine learning for real-time pattern recognition of movements.
- Swarm Detection Systems:
- Future radars will focus on identifying and tracking small, coordinated movements, such as drone swarms or groups of infiltrators.
- Increased Mobility:
- Efforts are underway to reduce the weight and size of ground-moving radars for better portability in high-altitude and dense jungle environments.
Conclusion:
The evolution of India’s armed forces can be viewed in correlation with the development of versatile radar networks. They range from basic, ground-based radars such as the Rajendra and Swathi, to sophisticated airborne and naval systems like the Rohini and Revathi. All of them together represent the core system which is employed by India to locate and track a wide range of threats including aircraft, missiles, shells and rockets and respond to them.
India is set to evolve its radar network in the context of cutting-edge technologies like Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESA) and digital signal processing. These developments will not only add to air and sea defence capabilities but also support maintaining a strategic balance in the region. Hence, these radar systems are crucial to achieving the overall national security objectives of India.
However in the future stealth aircrafts and hypersonic missiles alongside many threats are bound to emerge, for which radar systems of the Indian forces will be aimed to develop.
Besides airborne and naval radars, Indian ground based moving radars can cover the entire geography, enabling the armed forces to monitor any moving activity of the adversary in varied terrains. Such systems enhance operational preparedness by improving situational awareness in times of need.
With the help of AI and Machine Learning, this will further enhance the capabilities in terms of detection period and response time which will be automated. Thus, in the coming years India will be even better prepared to defend its interests on the world stage.
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