SOURCE: AFI
@ang3lkenny
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to captivate audiences at the upcoming Aero India 2025 with the showcase of a scale model of the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, designed specifically for integration into the Tejas MkI and MkII programs. This event, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, will be a significant platform for displaying India’s strides in indigenous defense technology.
The Uttam AESA Radar represents a leap forward in radar technology, offering advanced capabilities for India’s light combat aircraft, the Tejas. Developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a DRDO laboratory, the radar is engineered to provide superior air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea operational modes. With features like multi-target tracking, electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), and low probability of intercept (LPI), the Uttam radar is poised to enhance the combat effectiveness of the Tejas fighter jets significantly.
Key Features of the Uttam AESA Radar:
- Scalability: The radar’s design allows it to be scaled for different aircraft sizes, making it adaptable for the Tejas MkI, the more advanced MkII, and potentially other platforms.
- Performance: It boasts a detection range of over 100 kilometers against fighter-sized targets, with the capability to track multiple threats simultaneously and engage a priority few with precision.
- Indigenous Development: Approximately 95% of the radar’s components are indigenous, aligning with India’s push towards self-reliance in defense technology.
- Integration: Plans are in place to integrate the Uttam AESA Radar into later batches of Tejas Mk1A aircraft, with testing already conducted on prototypes, showcasing its readiness for deployment.