SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
A leading Indian defense Private electronics company, is set to deliver the first batch of its indigenously developed Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for the Tejas Mk1A program starting next year, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defense technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The initial batch will consist of approximately 33 Uttam AESA radars, which will be integrated into the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) starting from the 41st jet. The first 40 Tejas Mk1A jets will be equipped with the ELM-2052 Fire Control Radar (FCR) supplied by ELTA Systems of Israel, as part of the transitional arrangement before the indigenous Uttam radar takes over.
The Uttam AESA radar, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Private sector company, is an advanced X-band radar featuring 912 Transmit-Receive (TR) modules. This cutting-edge radar system offers superior performance compared to traditional mechanically scanned radars, providing enhanced target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities.
The successful integration of the Uttam AESA radar into the Tejas Mk1A is expected to pave the way for its adoption in other Indian fighter programs, such as the Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Additionally, the radar’s modular design and advanced capabilities make it a potential candidate for export, further strengthening India’s position in the global defense market.
Key features of the Uttam AESA radar include:
- Multi-mode Operations: Capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea modes, enabling versatile mission profiles.
- High Target Tracking Capacity: Ability to track multiple targets simultaneously with high accuracy.
- Electronic Beam Steering: Rapid and precise beam steering for improved situational awareness.
- Low Probability of Intercept: Advanced technology that reduces the radar’s detectability by enemy systems.
The radar’s integration into the Tejas Mk1A, a 4.5-generation fighter jet, will significantly enhance the aircraft’s combat capabilities, making it a formidable asset for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
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