SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the upcoming Netra Mk1A and MkII programs. These advanced airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), developed under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will incorporate state-of-the-art gallium nitride (GaN)-based transmit/receive modules (TRMs) in their active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar plates.
This marks a substantial technological leap over the existing Netra Mk1, which relies on solid-state gallium arsenide (GaAs)-based radar technology developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) in Bengaluru. The transition to GaN-based systems promises enhanced performance, greater efficiency, and superior operational capabilities for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Netra Mk1, currently operational with the IAF, represents a commendable achievement in India’s indigenous defense technology landscape. Mounted on the Embraer ERJ-145 platform, the Netra Mk1 features a GaAs-based AESA radar that provides 240-degree coverage, making it a vital asset for surveillance and radar coverage during operations, such as the Balakot airstrike in 2019. The GaAs technology, while effective, has limitations in terms of power efficiency, heat dissipation, and range compared to modern standards. These constraints have prompted the DRDO to pursue next-generation solutions in the Netra Mk1A and MkII programs.
The LRDE, a key DRDO laboratory specializing in radar development, has been instrumental in this evolution. Building on its experience with the Netra Mk1 and other radar systems like the Uttam AESA radar for fighter jets, LRDE is now integrating GaN-based TRMs into the AESA radar plates of the Netra Mk1A and MkII. This upgrade aligns with global trends in radar technology, where GaN is increasingly preferred for its superior performance characteristics over GaAs.
The Netra Mk1A, an improved version of the Mk1, will retain the Embraer ERJ-145 platform but feature significant upgrades. Alongside the shift to GaN-based TRMs, the Mk1A will incorporate better software, enhanced human-machine interfaces, and upgraded mission suites. The radar will maintain its 240-degree coverage but benefit from improved range and detection capabilities thanks to GaN technology. The IAF currently operates three Netra Mk1 aircraft, and plans are underway to acquire six additional Mk1A units, with an estimated cost of Rs 9,000 crore. These aircraft will replace imported systems with Indigenous alternatives, including advanced electronic intelligence (ELINT) and radar warning receiver (RWR) suites, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
The MkII will also feature advanced self-protection suites, including dual-colour missile approach warning systems (DCMAWS), electronic countermeasures, and SATCOM data links, making it a formidable asset in contested airspace. This upgrade positions the Netra MkII as a bridge between the current Netra systems and a future full-fledged AWACS with 300-degree coverage, a long-term goal of the DRDO.
Advantages of GaN-Based Technology
Gallium nitride offers several advantages over gallium arsenide, making it a game-changer for the Netra Mk1A and MkII AWACS programs:
- Higher Power Density: GaN-based TRMs can deliver greater output power, enabling the radar to detect targets at longer ranges and with higher resolution. This is critical for early warning systems that need to identify threats deep within enemy airspace.
- Improved Efficiency: GaN’s higher efficiency reduces power consumption, allowing for sustained operations without overburdening the aircraft’s systems.
- Enhanced Thermal Management: With better heat dissipation properties—GaN has a thermal conductivity of 130-170 W/mK compared to GaAs’s 46 W/mK—the technology supports higher performance without requiring extensive cooling mechanisms, reducing weight and complexity.
- Wider Bandwidth: GaN enables broader operational bandwidths, improving the radar’s ability to detect and classify a diverse range of targets, including stealth aircraft and small drones.
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