IAF to Employ AESA Radars with UHF/VHF Long-Wavelengths to Counter Growing Stealth Threat from China and Pakistan

With the increasing presence of stealth fighter jets near India's borders, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is enhancing its radar capabilities to maintain its edge in air defence. Both China and Pakistan are expected to deploy significant numbers of stealth aircraft in the coming years, posing a new challenge to India's air defence network.

To counter this evolving threat, the IAF is focusing on deploying advanced radars operating in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) bands, known for their effectiveness in detecting stealth aircraft.

An IAF official highlighted the crucial role of early detection systems, stating, "These radars will play a crucial role in identifying stealth aircraft and mitigating potential misadventures."

Stealth aircraft are designed to evade detection by conventional radar systems through specialized materials and shapes that deflect radar waves. However, radars operating in the UHF and VHF bands exploit a vulnerability in stealth technology. These radars utilize longer wavelengths that are less easily absorbed or deflected by stealth coatings and designs, making them more likely to detect and track stealth aircraft compared to conventional X-band radars.

While UHF and VHF radars generally have shorter detection ranges, their ability to identify stealth aircraft at a distance provides crucial early warning for air defence systems. The IAF plans to procure advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars incorporating UHF and VHF band technology. These AESA radars are expected to significantly improve the detection and tracking of low-observable targets while offering superior reliability and resistance to electronic countermeasures.

To maximize their effectiveness, the new radars will be integrated into India's existing Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This integration will enhance situational awareness and improve coordinated responses to potential aerial threats.

While UHF and VHF radars excel in detecting stealth aircraft, they also have limitations. They generally offer shorter detection ranges and less precise target identification compared to higher-frequency radars. To overcome these challenges, the IAF plans to employ these radars as part of a multi-layered defence strategy. By combining them with higher-frequency radars and integrating data from various sources, India can establish a robust and comprehensive detection and response system.

By investing in advanced radar systems and adopting a multi-layered approach, India aims to maintain a robust and effective air defence network capable of countering the growing threat of stealth aircraft in the region.

 

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[saffronsword]

will they be fire control radars.....????

 

[Invincible Indian]

That won't be enough...IAF would require atleast 4-5 squadrons of Fifth Gen. Jet fighters to counter both fronts..✈️

 

[Shiva]

OMG. It means there exist radars and some frequencies to which stealth aircraft/UAVs are no longer stealth! The so-called "maya" (magic powder) created and running in the past decade about stealth/stealth/stealth is merely a "chooran" (powder) and bluff to force people, the public, media, politicians, and decision-makers to choose their path for their defence procurement decisions.

Now, new radars will evolve that will convert stealth aircraft to next-level non-stealth aircraft.

He he. So, all dreams of Pakistan and the new fellows of Bangladesh and their highest purchasement plan of stealth fighters become a useless phenomenon, as their boundaries are already well within radar and missile range, aircraft range, and their stealth aircraft become non-stealth.

What kind of things are going on...

 

[desigandu]

Stealth does not mean invisible, it means low probability of detection, and even if detected it is late, and the reduced ability to target and destroy these aircraft’s - anti stealth technology, detection, locks and destruction can be achieved with a combination of bi-static, multi- static (which have separate receivers and transmitters spread geographically) when networked with passive EW sensors, space based radars/sensors (in a VLEO/LEO constellation over IOR which we must achieve by 2030: as we have the technology, but just need funding in a private-public joint operation) can detect stealth planes sufficiently early to provide interception and missile defense type capability…

Bharat must pursue such options, while continuing to accelerate AMCA which should be a multi generational effort of being operationalized - Mk1 in 2035, Mk-2 in 2040 and eventually an almost Mk-3 or another new design/6th gen by 2045…

Technology is an evolution, with lots of investments and good old R&D, and thus we must strive for it with the goal of 100% atmanirbharta, even it takes times, costs more money and we are still slightly behind - culture of innovation, backed with good people and lots of funding is the secret to becoming a science & technology superpower…

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Wait for few months and you'll hear that we will import such radars.

 

[beencensured]

That won't be enough...IAF would require atleast 4-5 squadrons of Fifth Gen. Jet fighters to counter both fronts..✈️

One stealth fighter does not counter another stealth fighter. Stealth fighters are meant to penetrate air defence and attack legacy fighters but do not have the ability to counter each other unless they can detect another stealth fighter beyond visual range, like by infrared, UHF, VHF, electro-optical, and other wavelengths. The only counter is what is being made by radars that can detect stealth fighters or any other means of detection. Electro-optical seekers in missiles may be helpful in terminal chase with VHF and UHF radars.

 

[Jagroshan]

I just don't understand, if a radar technology(VHF and UHF) is capable of detecting stealth aircrafts, then how can we call those aircraft stealthy aircrafts?

 

[SK]

This is the most sensible way as IAF can't compete with PLAAF's for every Jet as both Nations have very different economic situations.

Anti-Stealth Radars & technologies are more feasible options than becoming obsessed with 5th Gen Jets & buying them from other Nations.

The focus for the next 20-years should be on Indigenous design & development.

 

[Sandeep]

India definitely needs to setup the infrastructure which includes setting up a network or radars, sensors and satellites. This will help us to create an integrated air defence command linked with SAMs across India which can intercept such threats.

We also need to design a very large and long range early detection radar which allows us to track every type of threat from missiles to jets up to 10000km away. These are needed mainly against China as we have already got a clear view on what goes on over Pakistan.

 

[Varaaah]

Wait for few months and you'll hear that we will import such radars.

They were already talking with the Russians to import Russian radar which have a range of 6000 km.

 

[beencensured]

Wait for few months and you'll hear that we will import such radars.

We already have some radars that can detect stealth.
SASTRA Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), this radar is designed to detect and track aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and other threats. It can detect low Radar Cross Section (RCS) platforms, such as stealth aircraft. SASTRA is expected to undergo developmental trials in the coming months

Chinese need Extra engine to power direct energy weapons, electronic warfare, or extra speed.

 

[tipoo2]

The major reason for elimination of tails in the sixth gen is removing the low band resonance that lets you still know a fifth gen stealth fighter is in the region, even if you can't guide a missile to it without also getting a higher band track. But knowing where it's around is vital for early response.

With sixth gen, even this ability will be vastly diminished. Granted I'm not making the mistake of running with China has it today, flying the two prototypes means about another decade of developing them, but it's coming.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

I just don't understand, if a radar technology(VHF and UHF) is capable of detecting stealth aircrafts, then how can we call those aircraft stealthy aircrafts?

Media portrays stealth aircraft like they are entirely invisible to radar and other sensors. That is simply false, they are visible to radar but at much shorter distances. Also, stealth is optimised against radar bands used for target acqusition like the X band. A VHF or UHF radar may detect stealth aircraft at long distance, that's what the Russian S 400 does, but such radars can't guide a missile to it target.