India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will develop an indigenous active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the air force’s Su-30 MKI aircraft, Delhi Defence Review revealed, citing sources.
The state-run DRDO Electronics and Radar Development Establishment will develop a scaled-up version of the Uttam radar for the Russian-origin fighter in three to four years, the outlet wrote, adding that flight testing will begin in two years.
IAF-DRDO to Fund Project
The DRDO and the Indian Air Force will jointly finance the project, with the latter providing the majority of funding.
The air force greenlit the project after assessing Uttam’s progress and performance.
The service will lend a few Su-30 MKIs for the radar’s “development, integration, flight-testing and certification,” Delhi Defence Review wrote.
Improved Version
The new version of the radar will have additional transmit and receive modules and a larger power supply, providing enhanced track and search range, Indian Defence Research Wing reported.
The aircraft will also be outfitted with a more powerful indigenous flight control, allowing the integration of hypersonic cruise and air-to-surface missiles.
Meanwhile, the DRDO has completed Uttam’s technology transfer to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for production. The radar will be integrated into the country’s homegrown Mk1A fighter, slated to enter service by 2024.
A fire control radar derived from the Uttam is also being developed for the Mk1A and the future Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft fighters, Delhi Defence Review wrote.