Astra Microwave Products Limited has formally handed over a critical naval radar component to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for its concluding phase of testing.
Company leadership confirmed the delivery of the Active Antenna Array Unit (AAAU)—a highly sophisticated system engineered for both maritime and terrestrial applications—during their fourth-quarter financial briefing on May 27, 2026.
This newly delivered unit is a fundamental building block for India’s indigenous maritime surveillance and air defence network.
Engineered to operate in the complex and harsh conditions of the open ocean, the radar system is optimised to identify, track, and help neutralise incoming aerial and surface threats from extended distances.
Future Indian Navy warships will rely heavily on such advanced sensors to provide crucial early warning data, monitor multiple targets simultaneously, and guide interceptor weapons with precision.
With the hardware now in DRDO's hands, the project transitions from its multi-year development phase into demanding field and integration trials.
These upcoming tests will rigorously validate the radar's real-world performance before it is cleared for operational service.
The system is built around Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. Unlike traditional mechanically steered radars that physically rotate, an AESA radar utilises hundreds of miniature solid-state transmit and receive modules housed within the AAAU.
This allows the system to steer radar beams electronically in mere milliseconds, making it significantly faster, more reliable, and highly resistant to enemy electronic jamming.
The successful handover of this advanced radar unit highlights Astra Microwave’s expanding footprint as a trusted Development Cum Production Partner (DCPP) for India's armed forces.
By engineering complex, high-power military electronics domestically, the collaboration directly supports the nation's broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reducing dependence on foreign imports in the strategic defence sector.
