SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant boost to India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Hyderabad-based Astra Microwave Products Limited (AMP) has emerged as a key player in the production of indigenous radar systems, with the capacity to manufacture 36 Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars every year. This development underscores AMP’s growing role in supporting India’s defence forces with cutting-edge technology and aligns with the nation’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives aimed at reducing dependency on foreign imports.
The Uttam AESA radar, developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), represents a leap forward in India’s radar technology. Unlike traditional mechanically scanned radars, AESA radars use a phased array of antennas to electronically steer the radar beam, offering superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities. The Uttam radar is designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of fighter jets by providing multi-target tracking, resistance to electronic jamming, and low probability of intercept—making it a critical asset for modern aerial warfare.
Primarily intended for integration into India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas variants, including the Tejas Mk1A and Mk2, the Uttam AESA radar has also been considered for other platforms like the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29 in future upgrades. Its advanced features, such as over 900 Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs) and the ability to operate in air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea modes, make it a versatile force multiplier for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
AMP’s ability to produce 36 units per year ensures that the IAF can maintain a steady supply of these advanced radars, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and mitigating risks associated with global supply chain disruptions. Moreover, the Uttam radar’s 95% indigenous content—barring a single imported subsystem—reflects India’s growing technological prowess and AMP’s role in fostering a robust domestic defence industrial base.
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