Unveiling of India's First Indigenous VHS Surveillance Radar at Aero India 2025
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The DRDO has launched India's first indigenous VHS radar at Aero India 2025, aimed at detecting advanced stealth aircraft. The radar, currently in trials, features cutting-edge technology for enhanced air defense capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- First indigenous VHS radar unveiled in India.
- Designed for detecting fifth- and sixth-generation stealth aircraft.
- Operates in high-clutter environments with a range of 400 kilometres.
- Expected to be operational for IAF in two years.
- Significant advancement in India's air defense technology.
Bengaluru, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has introduced the nation's inaugural VHS (Very High Frequency) radar, engineered to identify fifth- and sixth-generation stealth aircraft that pose significant threats to national security during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru.
The state-of-the-art VHF Surveillance radar is presently undergoing trials. It features a next-generation digital phased array radar with element-level digitisation and optical interfaces.
Owing to its high dynamic range, the radar can operate effectively in high-clutter environments. It supports both staring and rotation modes. Additionally, it can be integrated with dedicated tracking radars as a cueing radar, thereby providing a holistic solution for Air Defence, as stated by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), which functions under DRDO.
Designed to be deployable in mountainous and other difficult terrains, the radar boasts a detection range of up to 400 kilometres.
The team at LRDE is optimistic that the VHS radar, leveraging stealth technology, will be operational for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in about two years, with a dedicated group of 50 to 60 experts working on the project.
Shivashankar from LRDE remarked to IANS that this radar signifies a groundbreaking innovation in stealth target detection within India, capable of identifying all fifth- and sixth-generation aircraft.
"This is a VHS surveillance radar that functions at a low frequency to detect stealth targets such as B2 bombers, F-117, and F-35 aircraft, achieving detection at a range of 400 kilometres. It can be deployed using HLVs, and both vehicles are capable of operating in any terrain. Deployment can be achieved in under 20 minutes."
He added, "This radar is equipped with both steering and rotation modes. In steering mode, it operates within a ±45-degree range. It incorporates cutting-edge technology utilizing active array electronics and is a fully digital radar, facilitating advanced adaptive array signal processing algorithms to combat clutter and multiple jammers."
Currently, India lacks an indigenous low-frequency radar, relying on imports. This new radar will empower India to develop anti-stealth capabilities, enabling simultaneous target tracking and surveillance. The stealth target detection will see significant enhancements, according to Shivashankar.
"This project commenced two years ago and is now in the testing phase. Within just two years, we've successfully completed the radar's design, development, and manufacturing. We're now in the final stages," he stated.
