SOURCE: AFI
India’s efforts towards self-reliance in defense technology take a leap forward with the Uttam AESA radar. This indigenously developed active electronically scanned array radar is set to be integrated not just on the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets but also on a significant portion of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) and Indian Navy’s fighter jet fleet.
The Uttam AESA radar was initially designed for the Tejas Mk1A variant, a crucial upgrade for India’s Light Combat Aircraft program. However, its capabilities have garnered wider interest. The radar will now be integrated on Naval MiG-29K Fighters, These carrier-borne fighters will benefit from the Uttam’s superior detection range and wider scanning angles compared to their current Russian Zhuk-ME radars. This will significantly enhance their situational awareness and combat effectiveness.
Bigger Uttam AESA radar has been planned to be equipped on the Upgraded Sukhoi-30MKI Fleet, As many as 84 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets are slated for an upgrade to the Super-30 configuration. The Uttam AESA radar will be a key component of this modernization program, replacing the existing Russian radars and providing the Sukhoi-30MKIs with a significant technological edge.
The integration of the Uttam AESA radar on the MiG-29Ks will be smoothened by the use of HAL-designed Mission Computers (MCs). These mission computers will ensure compatibility between the Indian-developed radar and the Russian-origin aircraft.
The Uttam AESA radar program represents a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-sufficiency in defense technology. Equipping its fighter jets with a domestically developed and advanced radar system strengthens India’s domestic defense industry and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.