India's domestically developed light combat aircraft, the Tejas MkII, is poised to make a significant technological leap by incorporating a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based fire control radar, the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA). This advancement marks a major milestone for India's aerospace industry, highlighting the nation's growing self-reliance in defence technology.
The Uttam AESA, developed by the DRDO, will be the first GaN-based fire control radar deployed on an Indian fighter jet. Compared to traditional Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) radars, GaN technology offers superior performance characteristics, including increased range, improved accuracy, and enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures. This translates to a significant advantage for the Tejas MkII in aerial combat, enabling it to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, even in challenging environments.
Furthermore, the Uttam AESA's GaN technology allows for a smaller and lighter radar system, contributing to the Tejas MkII's overall agility and performance. The radar's lower power consumption also translates to increased flight endurance, a crucial factor for long-range missions.
Adding to its capabilities, the Tejas MkII's Uttam AESA radar will be mounted on a rotating repositioner, or swashplate. This unique feature, a first for an Indian fighter jet, provides a wider field of view and enhanced situational awareness for the pilot. The swashplate enables the radar to scan a 140-degree search volume within a 200-degree look-angle, allowing the Tejas MkII to detect and engage targets more effectively without extensive maneuvering.
The Tejas MkII is expected to play a crucial role in the Indian Air Force (IAF), providing a significant boost to its operational capabilities. With its advanced radar technology and enhanced performance features, the Tejas MkII is set to become a formidable asset in safeguarding India's airspace.
