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India's ambitious program to develop a domestically produced carrier-based fighter jet, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), is set to incorporate a highly advanced radar system.
The new fighter, being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the Indian Navy, will be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar mounted on a swash plate, expanding its field of view to an impressive 100 degrees and placing it among the world's elite naval aircraft.
This development marks a significant technological leap for India's indigenous defence capabilities.
The current generation of homegrown AESA radar, the Uttam, offers a field of view of approximately 60 degrees. While effective, this is narrower than the systems found on leading international aircraft.
The introduction of a swash plate mechanism, which physically repositions the radar array, allows the TEDBF to achieve a scanning range comparable to modern fighters like the Saab Gripen E, Eurofighter Typhoon, and the F-35, ensuring a distinct operational advantage.
For a naval pilot, this wider detection arc provides critical battlefield superiority. The swash plate design enables the radar to track targets over a much broader area without needing the aircraft to change its flight path.
This results in superior situational awareness, allowing the pilot to detect and engage hostile threats earlier and more effectively during complex maritime combat scenarios.
This capability is vital for fleet air defence, where carrier groups must defend against multiple, fast-approaching threats from various directions.
The radar system is further enhanced by the use of cutting-edge Gallium Nitride (GaN) transmit/receive (T/R) modules. Developed by the DRDO, GaN technology offers greater power efficiency, superior thermal management, and increased reliability compared to the older Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) modules.
This allows the radar to detect smaller targets at longer ranges and provides better resistance against electronic jamming attempts by adversaries.
The integration of this advanced AESA radar is a crucial step in ensuring the TEDBF can counter sophisticated aerial threats for decades to come.
As the Indian Navy prepares to operate the TEDBF from its aircraft carriers, including INS Vikrant, this powerful sensor will be central to its role in interception, air-to-air combat, and strike missions.
This achievement not only strengthens the Indian Navy's future combat readiness but also highlights India's growing self-reliance and maturity in developing next-generation defence technologies.
