New DRDO-BEL Radar Combines VHF and High-power Systems to Unmask Stealth Threats, Capable of Tracking 100 Targets Simultaneously at 400km Range

India is set to significantly enhance its air defence capabilities through a new project undertaken by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

The two organisations are jointly developing an advanced radar system specifically designed to detect and track modern stealth targets, which are built to be nearly invisible to conventional radar.

This new system is engineered to counter low Radar Cross Section (RCS) threats, such as stealth fighter jets and unmanned drones. It combines two types of radar technology: a Very High Frequency (VHF) radar, which is effective at detecting stealth aircraft, and a high-power radar that can lock onto and track them with great precision.

The system boasts an impressive operational range of 400 kilometres and has the capacity to track as many as 100 different targets at the same time, providing critical early warnings and accurate data for launching a response.

A key technological advantage of the new radar is its use of Gallium Nitride (GaN) based modules. This modern semiconductor technology makes the radar more powerful, efficient, and reliable than older systems that used Gallium Arsenide (GaAs).

The GaN components also allow the radar to perform better in environments with heavy electronic interference, making it more resistant to enemy jamming attempts.

The development of this sophisticated anti-stealth radar is a timely response to the growing global presence of stealth technology in modern warfare. By being able to generate a precise "firing solution" against low-visibility aircraft, the system will substantially strengthen India’s air defence framework, particularly along its contested and sensitive borders.

To ensure maximum effectiveness, defence experts recommend that these radars be deployed as part of an integrated network. Linking multiple radar stations together would create overlapping fields of surveillance, eliminating blind spots and forming a comprehensive and resilient defence shield.

This networked approach would allow for the instant sharing of tracking data with other assets, including surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and fighter aircraft, enabling a swift and coordinated response to any potential threat.

 

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[Hemant Mishra]

Can this combined radar system also detect the F-22 Raptor ?— one of the world's most advanced stealth fighters?
This is a strategically important step in the direction of fulfilling India's vision of a indigenous defense ecosystem. It not only adds to the modernization of arms but also enhances both the Air Force and Navy's electronic warfare capabilities for upcoming high-end warfares

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Sounds like a ground-based radar? Will be good to detect small RCS missiles/jets at 400 km range.

 

[Hari Sud]

This will be more effective against Pakistan acquiring J-35 Chinese third-rate plane. If you can detect, then you can shoot it. That is a better counter for stealth fighters than rushing to buy an American stealth fighter. Then we can wait until 2035 for AMCA to be ready. By then, the Chinese J-35 will be out of date.

 

[Sandeep]

Along with our long range radars and stealth radars we can receive early warning of any incoming threat from drones, missiles or stealth jets. We need to make sure that we 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture the radars with Indian raw materials. We need to create an indigenous supply chain in order to be self reliant.

 

[nara]

If this radar is really good, then stealth fighters, if any, with Pakistan are no longer a threat, maybe even from China. With further improvements in this tech, India need not go in for expensive stealth jets if the war plans are to launch missiles from within your borders, as I have said earlier. Maybe a squadron or two, just to be safe. Invest in drones, missiles, stealth tech, radars, border fencing, and other out-of-the-box advanced weapons systems, like DEW.

 

[pgahlot]

400Kms range is not enough, need around 600kms range of this. As Alpha Defense's Surya has almost same range. We have to wait for it's more details of what RCS they can track stealth jets which is very important.
Also need to focus on long range radars as well like 1000, 1500 kms and also radars which can find and track low flying high speed missiles.