DRDO Chief Stresses Next-Gen Sensors to Counter Hypersonic Weapons and Drones

The landscape of modern warfare is evolving at a breakneck pace. As stealth aircraft and hypersonic weapons become increasingly sophisticated, the need for countermeasures grows exponentially.

This urgency was emphasized by Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in his address at the NDTV Defence Summit 2024.

The Cat and Mouse Game of Defence Technology​

Dr. Kamat frames the challenges faced by modern defence establishments as a perpetual "cat and mouse game." In this game, the development of stealthy aircraft and hypersonic missiles that can evade conventional radar necessitates the continuous development of cutting-edge sensor technology to keep pace.

This technological arms race highlights the asymmetrical nature of modern warfare, where adversaries constantly seek novel ways to outmaneuver one another.

The Need for Advanced Detection Capabilities​

"Our conventional means of detection are becoming increasingly strained," warns Dr. Kamat. The focus on stealth technology within aircraft design, coupled with the mind-bending speeds of hypersonic weapons, poses a significant challenge.

In response, India's DRDO is heavily invested in the research and development of next-generation sensor systems that can effectively track and identify these threats, offering a crucial counterbalance.

The Shifting Dynamics of Drone Warfare​

Dr. Kamat also touched upon the evolving role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. While these systems have dramatically changed the face of modern conflict, Dr. Kamat predicts a counter-revolution.

He suggests that within the next two to three years, we'll witness a technological breakthrough in drone-neutralizing defences, drastically limiting the effectiveness of these unmanned systems and potentially forcing a shift in battlefield strategies.

Maintaining Strategic Superiority​

The key message of Dr. Kamat's address is clear: to maintain strategic superiority, continuous investment and innovation in sensor and radar technology are essential.

India, through the efforts of the DRDO, is committed to keeping pace with advanced threats. Their work will help ensure that even the most elusive stealth aircraft or hypersonic weapon doesn't go unnoticed, providing a vital layer of defence in the rapidly changing landscape of modern warfare.

 

[yogesh]

Modernization is an ongoing process and technological advances will be through dedicated research programs. Ofcourse, we need to have adequate knowledge to defend ourselves, safeguard the nation and also make strides in areas of significant importance such as those mentioned in the article above

 

[NSR]

The new generation of GaN based AESA radars and X-band randars and surveillance radar systems will make it easy to develop them locally.
Israel is trying to use L&T to sell their own radars branded by L&T.
India should not take this route.

 

[Frank]

Sir instead of giving gyan you should focus on how to deal with FPV drones??

or counter measures for Shaheed type drones.

Do we have powerful EW against HIMARS??

Ukraine has destroyed 1/3 of russian NAVY in black sea fleet using cheap drone boats..1/3 navy imagine...

do we have such drone boats or drone submarines?? or any counter measures for it??

Sir please get real or even rag tag HAMAS will pose great danger for us

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Sir instead of giving gyan you should focus on how to deal with FPV drones??

or counter measures for Shaheed type drones.

Do we have powerful EW against HIMARS??

Ukraine has destroyed 1/3 of russian NAVY in black sea fleet using cheap drone boats..1/3 navy imagine...

do we have such drone boats or drone submarines?? or any counter measures for it??

Sir please get real or even rag tag HAMAS will pose great danger for us

India already has powerful battlefied EW system. Read about himshakti. More research is ongoing in the field. Calm you teets.

Regarding drone boats, they are threat to every navy in the world. American navy had called small boats packed with explosives as a major threat long time back.

All countries are looking for proper solution to it. We have AK-630 on our ships to destroy them, along with heavy machine guns.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Great Idea, DRDO should focus on cutting edge and future tech, and let mundane things be done by private sector. Same as DARPA does in the US.

 

[kumar]

Should expediate work on quantum radars and laser pods.

 

[The Presence]

Should expediate work on quantum radars and laser pods.

Podbaazi won't work in Stealth Aircrafts.

 

[kumar]

Podbaazi won't work in Stealth Aircrafts.

When stealth aircraft can have guns, then laser pods also possible.

 

[The Presence]

The new generation of GaN based AESA radars and X-band randars and surveillance radar systems will make it easy to develop them locally.
Israel is trying to use L&T to sell their own radars branded by L&T.
India should not take this route.

DRDO's HPR is a GaAs based system.
No point in inducting an obsolete system which will have to operate for the next 40 years. Instead, they did the right thing by giving L&T orders until DRDO can develop a GaN variant of it's HPR.

 

[The Presence]

When stealth aircraft can have guns, then laser pods also possible.

Guns aren't carried externally. They are concealed inside a mini-bay.
That isn't possible for a Laser Pod.

 

[NSR]

DRDO's HPR is a GaAs based system.
No point in inducting an obsolete system which will have to operate for the next 40 years. Instead, they did the right thing by giving L&T orders until DRDO can develop a GaN variant of it's HPR.

L&T not developing.
It is using Israel radars to assemble and sell to India.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a crucial necessity that is needed on all modern fighter jets and it will take time to develop it as its complicated and expensive. However it's important that we develop it with a startup or a private company that have the talent, knowledge and capabilities.