India Unveils Advanced Radar for Tejas Mk2 Fighter Jet

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made a significant breakthrough in military aviation technology with the introduction of the Uttam Mk2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This advanced system equips the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet with capabilities that could redefine aerial combat. The new radar features a remarkable 140-degree field of view, enabling it to detect and track targets without the need for the aircraft to change its orientation.

Situated at the DRDO’s Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), the radar’s innovative swashplate mechanism allows for a wide scanning coverage, addressing previous limitations faced by traditional radar systems. The Uttam Mk2 can identify incoming threats from challenging angles, making it a formidable asset in high-speed combat scenarios.

Transforming Aerial Warfare

The traditional AESA radars typically provide a limited 60-degree field of view, forcing pilots to maneuver their fighter jets to track off-boresight targets, which can be dangerous. In contrast, the Uttam Mk2’s enhanced capabilities offer a look angle of up to 200 degrees. This means that the Tejas Mk2 now stands shoulder to shoulder with advanced European aircraft such as the Gripen E and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Using cutting-edge Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, the Uttam Mk2 radar boasts over 980 Transmit/Receive modules capable of tracking 64 targets simultaneously and engaging up to six at once, all while maintaining a detection range of 250 kilometers. This capability allows Indian pilots to identify threats well before they reach critical airspace, enhancing national security against potential incursions from adversaries such as China and Pakistan.

Cost-Efficient Indigenous Development

One of the most striking aspects of the Uttam Mk2 radar is its cost-effectiveness. Achieving performance levels comparable to Western systems that typically cost millions more, India’s indigenous development leads to 40% cost savings. This significant reduction in expenses does not compromise the radar’s effectiveness; instead, it integrates seamlessly with the unified electronic warfare suite of the Tejas Mk2. This integration provides pilots with a comprehensive situational picture, enhancing their ability to transition from reactive defenders to proactive hunters.

The advancements represented by the Uttam Mk2 radar signal a pivotal shift in aerial warfare capabilities for India. As the nation continues to enhance its defense technologies, India is preparing to assert its position in the regional power dynamics of Asia. The implications of this technology extend beyond national defense, influencing the strategic calculations of neighboring countries.