SOURCE: AFI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully integrated an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker in the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM), showcasing India’s growing technological prowess in advanced missile systems. The seeker, an X-band Radar Imaging Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with monopulse homing capability, has been designed and developed by the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL), marking a significant milestone in India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.
The RF seeker used in the LRAShM shares its technological lineage with the one developed for the BrahMos cruise missile. This continuity underscores India’s efforts to leverage indigenous expertise to optimize costs, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and achieve self-reliance in critical technologies.
The newly developed RF seeker incorporates state-of-the-art features that enhance the operational efficiency of the LRAShM:
- Radar Imaging X-band SAR: The seeker uses synthetic aperture radar technology to generate high-resolution radar images of the target, enabling precision targeting in various weather conditions.
- Monopulse Homing Capability: This advanced tracking technique provides accurate guidance by reducing errors caused by signal fluctuations and interference.
- Electronic Scanning: The seeker employs electronic beam steering for rapid target acquisition and tracking without mechanical movement.
- 2-Axis Gimbal System: A robust 2-axis gimbal system ensures the seeker remains aligned with the target, even at high missile speeds, enhancing its capability to engage agile and moving naval targets.