SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
As stealth fighter jets are expected to become a routine feature near India’s borders, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is stepping up efforts to bolster its radar capabilities. Both China and Pakistan are projected to field stealth aircraft in significant numbers in the coming years, posing new challenges to India’s air defense network. To counter this evolving threat, the IAF is focusing on deploying advanced radars that operate in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) bands, which are effective at detecting stealth aircraft.
An IAF official, speaking to idrw.org, emphasized the importance of early detection systems, stating, “These radars will play a crucial role in identifying stealth aircraft and mitigating potential misadventures.”
Stealth aircraft are designed to evade detection by conventional radar systems through radar-absorbent materials and designs that deflect radar waves. However, radars operating in the UHF and VHF bands exploit a vulnerability in stealth technology.
UHF and VHF radars operate at longer wavelengths, which are less easily absorbed or deflected by stealth coatings and shapes. As a result, these radars are more likely to detect and track stealth aircraft compared to conventional X-band radars.
While UHF and VHF radars typically have shorter detection ranges, their ability to identify stealth aircraft at a distance provides critical early warning for air defence systems. The IAF plans to procure advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars incorporating UHF and VHF band technology. These systems are expected to improve the detection and tracking of low-observable targets while offering superior reliability and resistance to electronic countermeasures.
The new radars will be integrated into India’s existing Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) to enhance situational awareness and improve coordinated responses to potential threats.
While UHF and VHF radars excel in detecting stealth aircraft, they are not without limitations These radars generally detect targets at shorter distances compared to higher-frequency radars. The longer wavelengths provide less precise target identification. To address these challenges, the IAF plans to employ these radars as part of a multi-layered defense strategy. By complementing them with higher-frequency radars and integrating data from multiple sources, India can build a robust detection and response system.
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