SOURCE: AFI
According to a recent report by the Hindustan Times, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is likely to abandon the proposal to integrate the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) experimental Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar onto the Rafale-M fighters. The decision comes after assessing that the cost of integrating a new radar system onto the Rafale-M would be prohibitively expensive and could result in further delays to the project.
The Indian Navy urgently requires Rafale-M fighters for its latest aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The limited number of MiG-29K fighters onboard INS Vikramaditya and the need for their upgrades necessitate the introduction of Rafale-M aircraft.
The DRDO’s experimental radar was likely the Uttam AESA Radar, currently under development for the Tejas MkII program and the MiG-29K program. It remains unclear why the DRDO and the Navy desired to replace the existing RBE2 (Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar) on Rafale fighter jets with this new radar.
One possible reason for considering the Uttam AESA radar could have been to achieve greater commonality across the Indian Navy’s fighter fleet, simplifying logistics and maintenance. Integrating a domestically developed radar system could also align with India’s broader “Make in India” initiative, aimed at reducing reliance on foreign technology and promoting self-reliance in defense capabilities.
However, the integration of a new radar system onto an existing aircraft platform is a complex and costly process. It involves extensive testing, software development, and certification to ensure compatibility with the aircraft’s existing avionics, weapons systems, and structural design. The cost of such integration, along with the potential for delays in project timelines, appears to have outweighed the benefits of adopting the DRDO’s radar system at this stage.
With the decision to retain the AESA RBE2 radar on the Rafale-M, the Indian Navy will continue to benefit from a proven, high-performance radar system that has been battle-tested and integrated into the Rafale’s overall combat system. Meanwhile, the DRDO’s efforts in developing the Uttam AESA radar for the Tejas MkII and potentially for future upgrades to the MiG-29K fleet will continue, contributing to India’s growing capabilities in defense technology.