SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s military modernization, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has confirmed the existence of Project Virupaksha, an ambitious project aimed at upgrading the Su-30MKI fighter jets with advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars.
According to Dr. B.K. Das, the Director General for Electronics and Communication Systems at DRDO, Project Virupaksha will equip the Su-30MKI with a state-of-the-art AESA radar, offering enhanced capabilities such as simultaneous radar functionalities, air surveillance, air-to-ground targeting, and weapon control.
One of the intriguing aspects of Project Virupaksha is the inclusion of an antenna repositioner. This mechanical device will enable the radar’s antenna to be pointed in both elevation and azimuth planes, significantly expanding its field of view. While not strictly necessary for AESA radars, an antenna repositioner can enhance the radar’s overall performance and versatility.
The Laboratory for Electronics and Instrumentation (LRDE) is currently developing the Uttam Mk2 antenna with a repositioner, offering a slew ability of up to ±90 degrees in azimuth and ±20 degrees in elevation. This advanced antenna will be a crucial component of the Virupaksha upgrade.
Technically it will be Tejas MkII fighter jet that will also have Uttam Mk2 Aesa FCR with antenna with a repositioner, while Virupaksha basically is an upgraded Uttam Mk2 Aesa FCR with larger antenna and power supply.
The AESA radar upgrade under Project Virupaksha represents a major leap forward in India’s radar technology. By replacing mechanically steered antennas and high-power transmitters with an electronically steered array, the Su-30MKI will be equipped with a radar system that is more agile, versatile, and capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously.
Virupaksha Aesa FCR has been planned on first lot of 84 Su-30MKIs that are due for Super-30 upgrades planned by HAL with IAF. Outside of China, India’s Su-30s will be first to get an Aesa FCR replacing its current Hybrid PESA Radar that will turn Su-30MKI into Mini-AWACS due to large range of the new radar.
The Virupaksha upgrade is expected to significantly enhance the Su-30MKI’s combat capabilities, making it a formidable asset for India’s air force. As the project progresses, it will be interesting to see how the AESA radar and antenna repositioner technology evolves and contributes to India’s military modernization efforts.
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