SOURCE: AFI
In a significant step toward enhancing its naval surveillance and electronic warfare capabilities, India has initiated the integration of its indigenously developed Sarang Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system onto the Russian-origin Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning (AEW) helicopters. This development, reported as of early 2025, underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its defence forces while advancing its Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in military technology.
The Sarang ESM system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is designed to detect, locate, and analyze electronic emissions, including radar signals and communications, across a wide spectrum. Manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a state-owned defence public sector undertaking, Sarang enhances situational awareness by providing real-time intelligence on enemy electronic activities. The system’s successful certification on the Kamov Ka-31 platform was confirmed in 2023, following a ?412 crore contract signed between BEL and the Indian Navy for its supply.
The integration of Sarang equips the Ka-31 helicopters with advanced capabilities to intercept and decrypt encrypted communications, significantly boosting the Indian Navy’s ability to monitor and counter regional threats. This upgrade is particularly relevant in the context of evolving maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including the presence of Pakistan’s forthcoming Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines and potential Chinese nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) operating in the region.
The Kamov Ka-31, a naval variant of the Russian Kamov helicopter family, has been a cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities since its induction in 2004. Currently, the Navy operates a fleet of 14 Ka-31 helicopters, which are equipped with powerful planar array radars capable of detecting airborne and surface threats at extended ranges. These coaxial-rotor helicopters are deployed on Indian aircraft carriers, such as INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, as well as other major warships, playing a critical role in maritime surveillance and fleet protection.
The decision to upgrade the Ka-31 fleet with the Sarang ESM system reflects India’s strategy to enhance the operational effectiveness of its existing assets rather than relying solely on new procurements. This move also mitigates delays and uncertainties in foreign defence deals, such as the previously stalled negotiations with Russia for additional Ka-31 helicopters, which were halted in 2022 amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions.
The integration of Sarang onto the Ka-31 helicopters began gaining momentum following its successful trials and certification. Posts on X from early 2025 indicate that the Indian Navy has already deployed two upgraded Ka-31 helicopters equipped with Sarang during the Theatre Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2025, a major biennial exercise aimed at testing the Navy’s combat readiness. Plans are underway to outfit the remaining 12 helicopters in the fleet with these ESM kits, a process that will enhance the Navy’s electronic warfare capabilities across its operational theatres.
The Sarang system augments the Ka-31’s existing radar-based AEW functions by adding a layer of electronic intelligence (ELINT) gathering. This enables the helicopters to not only detect enemy ships and aircraft but also intercept their communications, providing a tactical edge in contested maritime zones. The system’s ability to counter encrypted signals is particularly significant given the growing sophistication of naval platforms operated by potential adversaries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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