SOURCE: AFI
In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense technology, the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully developed and established complete capability to design, develop, and manufacture the highly complex radomes for the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). This achievement marks a major milestone in India’s quest to bolster its indigenous defense capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.
A radome (radar dome) is a protective enclosure that houses radar antennas, safeguarding them from environmental factors such as wind, rain, and extreme temperatures while allowing electromagnetic signals to pass through with minimal distortion. In the context of AWACS, radomes are critical components that shield the sophisticated radar systems mounted on airborne platforms, enabling long-range surveillance, command, and control capabilities. These structures must be aerodynamically efficient, lightweight, and capable of withstanding the stresses of high-altitude flight, making their development a highly complex and technologically challenging task.
AWACS platforms are force multipliers in modern warfare, providing real-time situational awareness, early warning, and coordination of air operations. Equipped with powerful radar systems, AWACS aircraft can detect and track airborne and maritime targets over vast distances, even in contested environments. The development of indigenous AWACS systems, including their radomes, is a strategic priority for India, given the need to enhance national security and maintain operational sovereignty in a geopolitically sensitive region.
Key highlights of this achievement include:
- Indigenous Design and Development: CABS has developed the radome entirely in-house, from conceptualization to testing, ensuring that the technology is tailored to meet India’s specific operational requirements.
- Advanced Materials: The radome is constructed using lightweight, high-strength composite materials that provide durability while minimizing interference with radar signals. These materials are designed to withstand the harsh conditions encountered during high-altitude missions.
- Aerodynamic Efficiency: The radome’s design ensures minimal drag and optimal aerodynamic performance, which is critical for the fuel efficiency and stability of AWACS aircraft.
- Electromagnetic Transparency: The radome allows radar signals to pass through with negligible distortion, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the AWACS radar system.
- Manufacturing Capability: CABS has established a robust manufacturing ecosystem, including specialized facilities and skilled personnel, to produce radomes at scale. This capability reduces reliance on imports and strengthens India’s defense industrial base.
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