SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated a critical process to identify a production partner for the next-generation Virupaksha radar. This cutting-edge system is set to revolutionize the capabilities of India’s Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, replacing the currently used Russian-made NIIP N011M Bars (Panther) radar.
The Virupaksha radar represents a significant leap in indigenous defence technology. It builds upon the success of the Uttam Mk2 AESA Fire Control Radar (FCR) developed for the Tejas MkII program. This upscaled variant boasts a larger AESA antenna with an increased number of transmit-receive modules (T/R Modules) – estimated to be between 1200 and 1400, compared to the Uttam Mk2’s 900+. This translates to enhanced capabilities in simultaneously searching, detecting, tracking, and engaging multiple air and surface targets.
A key advantage of the Virupaksha is its weight reduction. The system is expected to weigh less than 300kgs, a significant 50% reduction compared to the N011M Bars. This weight saving translates to a lighter nose cone for the Sukhoi-30MKI, potentially improving manoeuvrability.
The increased range of the Virupaksha is another game-changer.
Compared to the N011M Bars’ 140km head-on search range for fighter-sized targets, the Virupaksha offers a 1.7-fold increase. This allows the Super Sukhoi to remain outside the Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) engagement zone of enemy aircraft, providing a critical first-strike advantage.
Furthermore, the Virupaksha incorporates advanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) technology, ensuring resilience against enemy attempts to disrupt its operation. Its operational modes encompass Air-to-Air, Air-to-Ground, and Air-to-Sea, each offering specialized functions like high-resolution mapping and target classification.
The integration of the Virupaksha radar with the Super Sukhoi marks a significant step towards self-reliance in India’s defence sector. This indigenous system offers enhanced capabilities, weight reduction, and improved survivability, ensuring the continued dominance of the Sukhoi-30MKI in the skies.
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