Recently showcased at the Aero India 2025 exhibition, the Hawk-I-2700 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar marks a major milestone for India's private defence industry.
Developed by the Chennai-based electronics firm Data Patterns, this advanced multifunction fire-control system is emerging as a powerful candidate for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) upcoming "Super Sukhoi" upgrade.
The new system aims to replace the older Russian-built N011M Bars radars currently equipped on the Su-30MKI fleet, bringing modern, cutting-edge capabilities to the frontline fighters.
At the core of the Hawk-I-2700 is its impressive array of 2,400 to 2,700 Gallium Nitride (GaN) Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs).
Utilising GaN technology ensures better thermal management, higher power efficiency, and enhanced durability over older legacy radar systems.
Operating within the 8 to 12 GHz X-band frequency range, the radar boasts a peak power output of 25.28 kilowatts.
This immense power translates to exceptional detection capabilities: it can spot a large target with a 5-square-metre radar cross-section from 350 kilometres away, track a 2-square-metre target at 250 kilometres, and lock onto smaller 1-square-metre targets at a distance of 200 kilometres.
Built entirely in-house to strict military durability standards (MIL-STD-810), the system utilises a flat-panel architecture integrated with commercial-off-the-shelf processing units and high-speed digital receivers.
Notably, it incorporates an innovative Swash Controller Unit, which allows the antenna panel to tilt mechanically.
This mechanical movement, combined with electronic beam steering, expands the system's field of view significantly, providing pilots with superior situational awareness while operating in complex, electronically contested environments.
The radar delivers exceptional scanning flexibility, offering up to ±100 degrees of electronic coverage and ±70 degrees of mechanical movement in both horizontal (azimuth) and vertical (elevation) directions.
This wide field of view allows the Hawk-I-2700 to seamlessly search the airspace and track multiple targets at the same time with pinpoint accuracy.
Consequently, it drastically improves a fighter jet's capability to conduct beyond-visual-range missile engagements, execute precision ground attacks, and maintain a dominant view of the battlefield.
With the massive Su-30MKI upgrade programme on the horizon, the Hawk-I-2700 stands in direct competition with the state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) own Virupaksha radar, which also features roughly 2,400 modules and was prominently displayed at Aero India 2025.
However, Data Patterns points out that their offering is a completely independent, homegrown design aligned with the national "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, rather than a modified version of existing technology.
Based on its impressive specifications, it ranks among the most sophisticated airborne combat radars ever produced by an Indian private company.
The creation of such a complex sensor highlights how rapidly India's private defence sector is maturing.
Alongside the radar, the company is actively developing additional hardware for the Su-30MKI, such as the Talon Shield electronic warfare jamming pod, designed to counter enemy emissions.
If selected and successfully integrated, the Hawk-I-2700 will not only keep the IAF's Su-30MKI fleet relevant for decades to come, but could also generate lucrative export potential for allied nations currently flying similar aircraft.
