Chennai-based Data Patterns (India) Limited has captured significant international attention following the showcase of its indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars at Aero India 2025.
Sources report a surge of inquiries from international operators of Russian-made Su-30 and MiG-29 fighter jets, who are seeking viable upgrades as traditional Russian radar systems face obsolescence and supply chain disruptions.
The company's new HAWK I 2700 and HAWK I 900 radars are in-house developed systems that have successfully completed all ground-based testing.
Data Patterns is now seeking support from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to use a Su-30MKI aircraft as a testbed to conduct the critical airborne trials required for final airworthiness certification.
Advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) Technology
The HAWK I series represents a significant advancement in India’s indigenous radar capabilities, utilizing modern Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology. GaN-based systems offer superior power efficiency, better heat management, and significantly longer detection ranges compared to older radar technologies.- The HAWK I 2700 is the larger variant, specifically designed to fit the spacious nose cone of the Su-30MKI. It features 2,700 Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs) and can detect a target with a 5m² radar cross-section from as far as 350 kilometers.
- The HAWK I 900 is a more compact version, optimized for lighter aircraft like the MiG-29, the Tejas LCA Mk1, and the Indian Navy's MiG-29K fleet. It offers a detection range exceeding 150 kilometers and is being positioned as a reliable replacement for the existing Russian Zhuk-ME radars, which have reportedly faced failures in the naval variants.
A Market Opening Created by Russian Supply Issues
The global interest in Data Patterns' radars stems from growing frustrations with Russian suppliers.The conflict in Ukraine has severely strained Russia's defence production lines, stalling upgrade timelines and disrupting the supply of spare parts for aging radars like the N001VEP (Zhuk-ME).
Air forces from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, which operate large fleets of Su-30 and MiG-29 aircraft, are now actively searching for alternatives.
Data Patterns' fully indigenous design—covering all hardware, software, and critical GaN components—is being presented as an ideal "plug-and-play" solution. This indigenous option could potentially reduce upgrade costs by 30-40% compared to foreign imports.
This radar is also a prime candidate for India's own Rs 65,000 crore "Super Sukhoi" upgrade program, which aims to modernize 272 Su-30MKI jets.
Integrating the HAWK radar could enhance the fleet's ability to detect low-observable (stealth) targets at ranges up to 200 km, bringing their capabilities closer to those of modern jets like the Rafale.
The Final Hurdle: Airborne Validation
Before the HAWK radars can be operationally deployed, they must be validated in the air.While all ground evaluations for electromagnetic compatibility, thermal management, and signal processing have been successfully passed, the systems must now be tested under real-world dynamic conditions, such as high-G maneuvers and electronic warfare jamming.
To accelerate this final step, Data Patterns has formally requested the IAF to allocate a Su-30MKI from the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE).
These specific aircraft are frequently used for testing new systems, having previously supported trials for the indigenous Uttam AESA radar and the Astra air-to-air missile.
Optimism for this request is high, thanks to a new Ministry of Defence (MoD) policy established in 2024. As part of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework, this policy permits private sector companies to use state-owned military assets for testing, provided the company covers all operational costs, including fuel, maintenance, and crew time.
If the request is approved, sources indicate that flight trials could be completed by mid-2026, placing the HAWK series on a fast track for certification and opening up a global retrofit market estimated to be worth between $5-7 billion.
