Private Sector to Deliver First Batch of Approx 33 Uttam Radars for Tejas Mk1A from 2026

In a major boost to India's indigenous defence capabilities, the first batch of the domestically developed Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is scheduled for delivery starting in 2026.

This initial set of approximately 33 radars, produced through a collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private industry, will be integrated into the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

This development marks a critical achievement for the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, significantly reducing dependency on foreign suppliers for crucial fighter jet technology.

The Uttam radar system is a sophisticated piece of technology that enhances a pilot's situational awareness and the aircraft's combat effectiveness.

Under the current production plan for the Tejas Mk1A, the first 40 aircraft will be equipped with the Israeli ELTA ELM-2052 AESA radar. This transitional measure ensures that the aircraft production timeline, managed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), proceeds without interruption.

From the 41st jet onwards, the indigenous Uttam radar will become the standard fitment.

Developed by DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), the Uttam is an advanced X-band radar.

Unlike older mechanically scanned radars that physically move to direct the radar beam, the Uttam AESA radar steers its beam electronically. This allows for instantaneous tracking of multiple targets, superior resistance to electronic jamming, and the ability to conduct simultaneous air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea operations.

The radar system is built with 912 transmit-receive modules, which are key to its high performance.

The successful integration and operationalisation of the Uttam radar in the Tejas Mk1A fleet are expected to have a cascading effect on India's future military aviation projects.

It is slated for use in the more advanced Tejas Mk2 and the futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's fifth-generation fighter program.

Furthermore, the modular design and advanced capabilities of the Uttam radar position it as a strong candidate for export to friendly nations, potentially elevating India's status in the global defence market.

The incorporation of this cutting-edge, home-grown radar will provide the Indian Air Force's 4.5-generation Tejas Mk1A jets with a significant technological edge, making them more formidable assets for national defence.

 

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[sanket]

Oh, how is it approximately 33 when 40 will have Elta? A total of 83 were ordered. What about the 10 Trainer Tejas Mk1A jets?

 

[Benith Israel]

Oh, how is it approximately 33 when 40 will have Elta? A total of 83 were ordered. What about the 10 Trainer Tejas Mk1A jets?

10 of them are twin-seater FOC version trainers with Indian ELTA 2032 radar.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Great news! From the 41st Mk1A, our jets will have Uttam GaAS radars. It is certainly a game-changer and a stamp on Atmanirbhar Bharat. I congratulate DRDO. This program was started in 2012, and the first full-scale model was displayed in 2017.

 

[bonito]

If the radar certification schedule makes it only from the 41st jet, then since the jet deliveries are already delayed by 16 months, it should be possible to integrate from the 10th jet itself. Why wait until the 41st jet?

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Good. If possible, then for the next 97 Tejas Mk1A's, use GaN-based radar.

 

[parimal vaikuthray Pandya]

It will be useless to get a controversy of HAL prefer to get radar from Israel rejected a minor issue of the certification of the DRDO product recently to get a report

 

[Pankaj]

It's a good development, and we need to be strict with the delivery timelines. It's okay that from the 41st Tejas MK1A, it will be integrated, but for real platform testing, it must be integrated into any of the Tejas MK1A aircraft that rolls out in the middle of 2026. This way, all the essential testing and modifications can be done accordingly by 2026.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s good that they start to make the preparations now so when clearance is given then manufacturing it can start straight away. They should find and secure their supply chain with only Indian raw materials that they will need, ensure they have the correct and trained workforce and have strict standards on quality.

 

[Python]

Very good! This will make Tejas more deadlier with world-class radar! Astra Mk2 and Gandiva should also be inducted into Tejas. Even F-35 uses GaAs radar, so it will truly be groundbreaking.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

If feasible, the GaN AESA radar developed for Tejas Mk2 should also be integrated with Rafale. Weapon integration will be better, and it will be like our Su-30 MKI where we can carry out updates as per requirement. Although, negotiations may not be very easy.

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

Is this news true as the news in the defense circuit is HAL has dismissed Uttam for Mk1A all 83 units due to non certification matter with the radar. DRDO has already clarified that the Uttam can be used from 41st units even if there is any concern it will be cleared before 41st unit is produced. HAL has already approached ALTA for remaining radars which will be for all 83 units. How paradox is that for foreign platforms we are insisting our radars and for our own platforms we want foreign radars. If we will only kill our indigenous systems how on earth others will entertain you. The lobby that operates within the system is very dangerous.
Kindly tell if the news of Uttam is true and will it be there in Tejas from 41st unit. I am also eagerly waiting for Uttam followed by Virupaksha. Any body can clarity please.

 

[Imaxxx]

India Today is reporting all radars for Mk1A will be Elta. So this article that Uttam will be integrated from 41st unit is not correct

 

[Vivek M. R]

Is this news true as the news in the defense circuit is HAL has dismissed Uttam for Mk1A all 83 units due to non certification matter with the radar. DRDO has already clarified that the Uttam can be used from 41st units even if there is any concern it will be cleared before 41st unit is produced. HAL has already approached ALTA for remaining radars which will be for all 83 units. How paradox is that for foreign platforms we are insisting our radars and for our own platforms we want foreign radars. If we will only kill our indigenous systems how on earth others will entertain you. The lobby that operates within the system is very dangerous.
Kindly tell if the news of Uttam is true and will it be there in Tejas from 41st unit. I am also eagerly waiting for Uttam followed by Virupaksha. Any body can clarity please.

Yes I too saw this in a youtube channel. According to the video EW suite Swayam Raksha kavach (SRK) has not been certified yet. certification will take time. I found it strange and disappointed as our own GaN based radar UTTAM which is more powerful than GaAs based Elta will not be in our Tejas Mk1A.

 

[Abs29]

Good. If possible, then for the next 97 Tejas Mk1A's, use GaN-based radar.

Nope! That would require an upgrade of the power supply unit and more specifically the engine APU. It's too late for that and would result in inordinate delays in an already delayed project. Maybe, if required, they could design a Tejas MK-1B that would incorporate the GaN-based Uttam AESA, which reportedly entered production in May 2025. That way, till the time Tejas MK2 comes, they would have found and addressed all the outstanding niggling issues with GAN radar and its tracking algorithms, and MK2 will then have a fairly mature radar.