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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a bid to bolster domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has launched a new initiative under the iDEX DISC 12 Challenge, inviting private sector companies to participate in the development of indigenised 25KW and 35KW radars. This initiative forms a part of India’s broader push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and aims to ensure that critical technologies like radar systems used aboard ships are manufactured domestically.

RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) systems are essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of naval and coast guard operations. These systems are used onboard ships to detect objects and determine their distance from the vessel, providing critical data for navigation, surveillance, and safety, especially in challenging maritime environments.

There are two primary types of radars used on Indian Coast Guard vessels:

X-Band Radars: Operating in the 8-12 GHz frequency range, these radars are typically used for navigation and collision avoidance.
S-Band Radars: Operating in the 2-4 GHz range, these are more suited for long-range detection, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Currently, radars with capacities of 25KW and 12KW are installed on Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), while 35KW and 25KW radars are fitted on Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). Despite the critical role these radars play, they are not manufactured in India, necessitating an effort to indigenise their production.

Through the iDEX DISC 12 Challenge, the Indian Coast Guard is seeking private sector collaboration to design, develop, and mass-produce indigenised radar systems for use on its FPVs and OPVs. The key requirements are:

Indigenisation of Technology: The challenge seeks to develop radar systems that are fully designed and manufactured in India, reducing reliance on imports and fostering domestic innovation in defence technology.

25KW and 35KW Radars: Development of high-power radar systems, capable of functioning in both X-band and S-band frequencies.

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Solutions: The goal is to mass-produce these radar systems, ensuring that they are available as COTS items for easy integration onto ships.