UTTAM Radar Proves 140km Detection Range Against Tejas Mk-1, Could Detect Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 at upto 180km

UTTAM Radar Proves 140km Detection Against Tejas Mk-1, Could Detect Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 at upto 180km Range


India's domestically developed UTTAM radar has demonstrated a significant capability by successfully tracking a Tejas Mk-1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) at a range of 140 kilometers.

The test, conducted at Aero India 2025, showcases the radar's potential to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) air combat capabilities. The UTTAM radar was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The successful tracking of the Tejas Mk-1, a relatively small aircraft with a Radar Cross Section (RCS) of just over 1 square meter, is a noteworthy achievement. RCS is a measure of how detectable an object is by radar; a smaller RCS makes an aircraft harder to detect. The demonstration indicates the UTTAM radar's ability to identify targets that are typically challenging for many radar systems.

The UTTAM radar's performance is even more significant when considering its potential against aircraft like the Pakistani F-16 and JF-17. Both of these aircraft have a larger RCS than the Tejas Mk-1, making them theoretically easier to detect.

The F-16, a widely used fourth-generation multirole fighter in the Pakistan Air Force, has an estimated RCS ranging from 1.0 to 1.5 square meters, similar to LCA Mk1 but is much bigger. Because of its larger size and shape, the F-16 is expected to be detectable by the UTTAM radar at greater distances than the Tejas Mk-1.

Based on the 140km tracking range achieved against the Tejas Mk-1, experts estimate that the UTTAM radar could potentially detect an F-16 at ranges between 180 and 200 kilometers. This estimation factors in variables such as flight altitude, weather, and the relative positions of the aircraft. The radar's capacity to engage targets with a slightly larger RCS than the LCA Mk-1 puts it in a strong position in real combat situations.

The JF-17, a multirole combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, also has modest stealth features, with an estimated RCS of around 1.5 square meters or slightly above. While larger than the Tejas Mk-1, it is still a relatively small target in terms of radar detection.

Considering the UTTAM's capabilities, it is projected that the radar could track the JF-17 at ranges similar to, or perhaps slightly greater than, those of the F-16. This would likely fall within the 160 to 180-kilometer range, given the radar's ability to detect targets with a more prominent RCS.

The UTTAM radar, equipped with approximately 900 Transmitter-Receiver (TR) modules, provides advanced tracking capabilities. The integration of the UTTAM radar onto platforms like the Tejas Mk-1A is expected to dramatically improve the aircraft's situational awareness, the accuracy with which it can target adversaries, and its overall survivability in contested airspace.

This advanced radar technology is poised to provide the IAF with a considerable advantage in air combat scenarios, allowing for earlier detection of potential threats and a more effective response.
 
Great work by DRDO, Uttam AESA Radar & Astra MK2. Game over for F-16 & JF-17. Look First, Shoot First. Like to see GaN-based 1200 TRM in mid-life upgrade for Tejas MK1A. Second Tejas MK1A has better composite material use than F-16 & JF-17, so it's not only a radar advantage, but JF-17 & F-16 can't detect Tejas MK1A easily. JF-17 has mostly a metal body. That means Uttam AESA Radar can detect a fighter jet made with composite material at 140 km. That's the difference; it's a dual advantage: Uttam Radar detection & composite airframe advantage for Tejas MK1A.
 
Great work by DRDO, Uttam AESA Radar & Astra MK2. Game over for F-16 & JF-17. Look First, Shoot First. Like to see GaN-based 1200 TRM in mid-life upgrade for Tejas MK1A. Second Tejas MK1A has better composite material use than F-16 & JF-17, so it's not only a radar advantage, but JF-17 & F-16 can't detect Tejas MK1A easily. JF-17 has mostly a metal body. That means Uttam AESA Radar can detect a fighter jet made with composite material at 140 km. That's the difference; it's a dual advantage: Uttam Radar detection & composite airframe advantage for Tejas MK1A.
Can not trust HAL claim
 
Very interesting result.If Utam radar can detect LCA type small ac with RCS 1msq fram a distance 140km then without the delay install it in Tejas and stop import.
 
There is deep-state-like mechanism at work here. Whenever India creates anything significant this mechanism starts working by making the comment "Not impressive". The real intention behind the remark is not any constructive criticism but to spread disappointment and distrust among Indian public on India's defence capabilities.

The fact is India is fast progressing towards the global standards. An achievement India makes may not match with the finest technology of the world. But it certainly is a step forward. Luckily the young generation of India doesn't even care such sinister comments.
 
Great work by DRDO, Uttam AESA Radar & Astra MK2. Game over for F-16 & JF-17. Look First, Shoot First. Like to see GaN-based 1200 TRM in mid-life upgrade for Tejas MK1A. Second Tejas MK1A has better composite material use than F-16 & JF-17, so it's not only a radar advantage, but JF-17 & F-16 can't detect Tejas MK1A easily. JF-17 has mostly a metal body. That means Uttam AESA Radar can detect a fighter jet made with composite material at 140 km. That's the difference; it's a dual advantage: Uttam Radar detection & composite airframe advantage for Tejas MK1A.
What about Virupaksha?
 
140km is not impressive by any standards.
First of all Isnt 82 nautical miles 151km ?
And for you're knowledge Tejas is a very low rcs aircraft 90% of outer body is made out of composites. Even if we don't trust 0.5m² rcs number it shouldn't go beyond 1m². When empty.
Even for 1m² rcs or 1-1.5m² let suppose Tejas carried ext. Fuel tanks 82nm range is enough for a aircraft of light category. And much better than any other light aircraft like eg jf17 which is said to have 150km for 5m² rcs. Which is even doubtful As it doesn't use liquid cooling.
However in recent aeroindia ada engineers said mk2 has 1/4th the rcs of mk1a. By the time Tejas mk2 will start replacing mig29s,mirage 2000s, jaguars the jf17 block will become outdated.
And let's not talks abt resistance Against jamming Tejas mk1a carries one outside and mk2 will have one inside that to Gan based vivaldi trms on both and mk2s radar will also have Gan based vivaldi trms too. Air cooled toy will be smoked
 

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