SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India and Russia have resumed discussions for the procurement of the advanced “Container-S” over-the-horizon (OTH) radar system, specifically the 29B6 “Container” radar, through a government-to-government (G2G) deal, according to informed sources close to idrw.org. This development follows confirmation that both nations are also exploring a G2G agreement for the sale of Russia’s Voronezh OTH radar system, signaling India’s intent to bolster its air defense capabilities against stealth and long-range threats.
The Container-S radar, a cutting-edge Russian OTH system, is designed for long-range airspace monitoring and ballistic missile detection. With a detection range exceeding 3,000 kilometers, the radar is capable of identifying airborne threats, including stealth aircraft and ballistic missiles, at distances and altitudes that conventional radar systems struggle to match. The first Container radar, located near Kovylkino in Mordovia, Russia, became operational in December 2013 and entered combat duty in 2019. A second system is planned for deployment in Kaliningrad.
The potential acquisition of the Container-S radar aligns with India’s efforts to strengthen its air defense network in response to evolving regional threats, particularly from stealth aircraft and ballistic missiles. With adversaries like China and Pakistan investing in advanced stealth platforms, such as the J-20 and J-35A, respectively, India is prioritizing anti-stealth technologies to maintain its strategic edge. The Container-S radar’s ability to detect low-observable targets at extended ranges would significantly enhance India’s situational awareness and early warning capabilities.
Sources indicate that the G2G deal discussions are part of a broader India-Russia defense cooperation framework, which also includes talks for the Voronezh OTH radar system. The Container-S radar’s modular design and long-range capabilities make it a complementary asset to India’s existing air defense systems, such as the S-400 and indigenous ballistic missile defense programs.
The integration of the Container-S radar into India’s defense infrastructure would provide a robust layer of protection against both conventional and unconventional aerial threats. Its ability to detect targets at high altitudes and over vast distances would enable the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other defense units to respond proactively to potential incursions or missile launches. Additionally, the radar’s bistatic OTH configuration enhances its resilience against electronic countermeasures, making it a critical asset in contested environments.
Key Features of the Container-S Radar
The Container-S radar, or 29B6, is a bistatic OTH radar operating in the high-frequency (HF) band, utilizing surface wave technology for enhanced detection capabilities. Its key features include:
- Long-Range Detection: Capable of detecting airborne targets at distances exceeding 3,000 kilometers, providing early warning against potential threats.
- Ballistic Missile Detection: Specifically designed to monitor and track ballistic missiles, enhancing strategic defense capabilities.
- Airspace Surveillance: Offers comprehensive long-range monitoring of airspace, critical for detecting low-observable (stealth) aircraft.
- High-Altitude Detection: Can detect targets at altitudes of up to 100 kilometers, covering a wide range of aerial threats.
- Wide Coverage: Features a 240-degree sector of view, enabling extensive surveillance over vast regions.
- Modular Design: The radar’s receiving antenna system comprises 144 antenna-feeder masts, allowing for scalability and adaptability.
- Strategic Deployment: The operational system in Mordovia and the planned installation in Kaliningrad demonstrate its strategic importance.
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