Astra Microwave and HAL in Talks to Equip 130 Future Tejas Mk1A and Mk2 Jets with Indigenous Uttam AESA Radar

Astra Microwave Products Ltd., the company chosen to manufacture the domestically developed Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Fire Control Radar (FCR), is currently in negotiations with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The discussions center around the production of 130 Uttam AESA radars destined for installation in India's Tejas Mk1A and Mk2 fighter jets.

Company representatives have confirmed that the first Uttam AESA radar will soon be delivered to HAL for integration into the Tejas Mk2 prototype, which is anticipated to be unveiled by the end of 2023. Both the Tejas Mk1A and Mk2 will utilize the same Uttam AESA FCR, equipped with over 980 Transmit/Receive (TR) modules. This advanced radar significantly boosts the fighter jets' ability to detect, track, and engage targets.

Initially, the first Tejas Mk1A jets will be fitted with the ELM-2052 AESA radar procured from Israel’s ELTA Systems. However, HAL intends to begin integrating the domestically produced Uttam AESA radar starting with the 41st Tejas Mk1A, as part of the 83-aircraft order placed by the Indian Air Force (IAF). This transition highlights India's commitment to self-reliance in defense technology.

Developed by India’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), the Uttam AESA radar marks a significant advancement in the country's pursuit of indigenous radar technology. Uttam radar offers enhanced tracking, targeting, and electronic warfare capabilities, considerably improving the operational effectiveness of India’s Tejas fighter jets. This move towards indigenous technology strengthens India's defense capabilities and reduces reliance on foreign suppliers.

 

[sanket]

980 TRM, that sounds good. No for Uttam AESA Radar. Second, Tejas MK1A, Tejas MK2 & MIG-29 will have the same Uttam AESA Radar. In mid-life upgrade, I am sure Tejas MK1A & Tejas MK2 will have GaN-based AESA Radar based on swashplate for better coverage.

 

[The Presence]

980 TRM, that sounds good. No for Uttam AESA Radar. Second, Tejas MK1A, Tejas MK2 & MIG-29 will have the same Uttam AESA Radar. In mid-life upgrade, I am sure Tejas MK1A & Tejas MK2 will have GaN-based AESA Radar based on swashplate for better coverage.

Well the correct number is 912.

 

[sanket]

Well the correct number is 912.

Even if it is 912, it is better than the RBE-2 AESA radar, which has below 900 TRM. Astra MK2 has a range of 160 km. I am sure Uttam has a better detection range. A couple of years later, Astra MK2 will be integrated on Tejas MK1A; both timelines coincide from the 51st Tejas MK1A Uttam AESA radar integration and Astra MK2 induction.

 

[मित्र]

In comparison to Rafale's RBE2, it's good but it's nowhere near Virupaksha. Any plan to increase TRM to ~1500?

 

[sanket]

In comparison to Rafale's RBE2, it's good but it's nowhere near Virupaksha. Any plan to increase TRM to ~1500?

TRM depends on the size of the nose cone. The Su-30 MKI has a bigger size nose cone compared to the Tejas MK1A & Tejas MK2. Second, it will have a GaN-based AESA Radar, while the one for the Uttam AESA Radar is based on GaA AESA Radar. That's the difference. In the future, once DRDO masters GaN-based AESA Radar, they will develop a small variant for Tejas MK1A & Tejas MK2 based on GaN/swash plate based with 1200 to 1400 TRM. I think AMCA too may have 1400 to 1800 TRM GaN-based AESA Radar with swash plate for better coverage.

 

[sanket]

In my opinion, AMCA will have 1600 to 1800 TRMs and as our fabrication technology evolves we can make more smaller and smaller TRMs while maintaining their original power.

I have already mentioned knowing AMCA nose cone size.

 

[Ayush raj]

TRM depends on the size of the nose cone. The Su-30 MKI has a bigger size nose cone compared to the Tejas MK1A & Tejas MK2. Second, it will have a GaN-based AESA Radar, while the one for the Uttam AESA Radar is based on GaA AESA Radar. That's the difference. In the future, once DRDO masters GaN-based AESA Radar, they will develop a small variant for Tejas MK1A & Tejas MK2 based on GaN/swash plate based with 1200 to 1400 TRM. I think AMCA too may have 1400 to 1800 TRM GaN-based AESA Radar with swash plate for better coverage.

In my opinion, AMCA will have 1600 to 1800 TRMs and as our fabrication technology evolves we can make more smaller and smaller TRMs while maintaining their original power.

 

[Sandeep]

Whichever company is chosen we have to make sure that they construct it properly and without any defects, problems or issues. Also we will need to buy more than 130 Uttam radars for Tejas MK1A and MK2 jets. In total we will need around 300-350 engine. We need about 200 of the F404 and 120 F414 engines with different thrust capabilities and materials. Also over 40 years we will use at least 3-4 engines which makes this is a big business deal between GE and GTRE corporation.

 

[Rational Guy]

Initially, we showed LCA Tejas networking with another Tejas to launch an air-to-air missile. Since SU30 MKI will have a much more powerful radar, we need to make Tejas network similarly with SU30 MKI.

 

[nivas9531]

No need to upgrade Tejas utham radar to su-30 virupaksha radar because integration of the entire radars will be give greater edge to all fighter jets they communicate each other and work as group or allone according to their situation. su-30 virupaksha is much more ground breaking for AMCA for data integration

 

[Col Jai Govind ( Retd)]

Talk.. Research ...Design... Prototype ...This is all they can do...Never operationalize. Where is the time.. Indian soldiers will suffer and nation will loose because of these talks... Just deliver and operationalize for users..