{{Short description|India's indigenous AI AESA Radar programme}} {{Use Indian English|date=April 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} {{Infobox Radar |name = Uttam |image = AAAU of DRDO Uttam AESA radar.png |caption = ''Uttam'' AESA radar displayed at Aero India 2019 |country = India |manufacturer = Bharat Electronics <br/>Hindustan Aeronautics Limited |program cost = |designer = Electronics and Radar Development Establishment |introdate = In development |number = |type = Solid-state AESA |frequency =X Band |range = |altitude = |diameter = |azimuth = |elevation = |precision = |power =9.12 kW<ref>{{cite news |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ofKFSKNW1pY&pp=ygUOZGVmZW5jZSBtYXRyaXg%3D |title=Uttam at Aero India 2025}}</ref> |status = |produced = |average power = |peak power = |number built = |unit cost = |developed from = }}
'''Uttam''' ({{Lit|Excellent}})<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Sagar |first=Pradip R. |date=2025-06-28 |title=A make in India snub |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/up-front/story/20250707-a-make-in-india-snub-2747046-2025-06-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818163315/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/up-front/story/20250707-a-make-in-india-snub-2747046-2025-06-28 |archive-date=2025-08-18 |access-date=2025-06-29 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> is a solid-state gallium arsenide (GaAs) based AESA radar under development by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment, a laboratory of the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation. It is an LPI (Low Probability of Intercept) liquid cooled AESA radar featuring quad-band modules that can be stacked to form a larger unit. The Uttam Mk-1 has a total of 912 TRMs.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=UTTAM AESA Radar Integrated With TEJAS MK-1: Dr Jitendra Jadhav Director ADA |url=https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2024/04/uttam-aesa-radar-integrated-with-tejas.html |access-date=2024-04-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ofKFSKNW1pY&pp=ygUOZGVmZW5jZSBtYXRyaXg%3D |title=New Uttam Radar for Tejas Mk1A & M2 {{!}} Details and Future {{!}} हिंदी में |date=2025-02-13 |last=Defence Matrix- हिंदी |access-date=2025-02-14 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
== Development == The project was initiated in 2008, and the development began in 2012. Its full-scale model was displayed at the 2017 Aero India air show and aviation exhibition.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Uttam AESA radar ready for induction in Tejas MK1A |url=https://defenceview.in/uttam-aesa-radar-ready-for-induction-in-tejas-mk1a/}}</ref> People who worked for DRDO AEW&CS's main radar and Maritime Patrol Radar were part of the project team.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |date=2023-02-15 |title=Bengaluru-built Uttam radar ready for export, says DRDO |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/bengaluru-built-uttam-radar-ready-for-export-says-drdo/articleshow/97930824.cms |access-date=2025-02-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Technologies and Products |url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/technology-cluster-links/labs-products-detail/2011/191 |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=Defence Research and Development Organisation}}</ref> A fully functional active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar prototype was unveiled at Aero India 2019, the prototype was mounted inside the glass nose of a HAL Tejas prototype.<ref name="uttamaero19">{{cite web|title=India Displays Locally-made AESA Radar for Tejas Jet at Aero India 2019|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/24318/India_Displays_Locally_made_AESA_Radar_for_Tejas_Jet_at_Aero_India_2019#.Xp_nUZrhWV4|access-date=20 February 2019|publisher=DefenseWorld}}</ref>
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is the lead integrator and Bharat Electronics is the major supplier of subsystems. As per Project director D Seshagiri of the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment, ''Uttam'' AESA radar is 95% indigenous, with only one imported subsystem. The National Flight Testing Centre had evaluated the radar and cleared it after performance tests. The integration problem of Astra BVRAAM due to older generation of radars will also be solved by ''Uttam''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Shishir |date=2021-12-08 |title=India develops AESA radar to make IAF fighters more lethal |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-to-showcase-use-of-indigenous-aesa-radar-101638924141445.html |access-date=2021-12-08 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>
During Aero India 2021, there was a licensing agreements for technology transfer from DRDO to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for manufacturing and integration of the ''Uttam'' in the Mark 1A variant of the HAL Tejas.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 February 2021 |title=DRDO hands over Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology for 14 technologies to 20 industries |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1695630 |access-date=15 February 2025 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |agency=Ministry of Defence, Government of India}}</ref> The technology transfer to HAL was finished by DRDO in July 2023, and the radar was approved for export as well.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":5" />
== Testing == As of 2021, three units were in various phases of testing. The ''Uttam'' radar has completed 230 hours of airborne testing onboard two Tejas fighter jets (LSP2 and LSP3) and on an executive jet; presumed to be DRDO's Dornier 228 "Nabhratna" used as a flying test bed by LRDE.<ref>{{cite news |title=Exclusive: Why desi Uttam AESA radar is a game-changer |url=https://guardingindia.com/exclusive/exclusive-why-desi-uttam-aesa-radar-is-a-game-changer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309033809/https://guardingindia.com/exclusive/exclusive-why-desi-uttam-aesa-radar-is-a-game-changer/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 March 2021 }}</ref> Once fully validated and certified, it is planned is to introduce the radar in later batches of Tejas Mark 1A aircraft.<ref name="uttam-mk1a">{{cite web |author=Ajai Shukla |title=Rs 26k-crore order for building Tejas Mark 1A to open door for Mark 2 |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/rs-26k-cr-order-for-tejas-mark-1a-to-open-door-for-mark-2-119121600021_1.html |access-date=16 December 2019 |publisher=Business Standard}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=HAL cuts its profit on Tejas Mark 1A deal by 50%, fighter jets to take to sky by 2022|url=https://theprint.in/theprint-essential/hal-cuts-its-profit-on-tejas-mark-1a-deal-by-50-fighter-jets-to-take-to-sky-by-2022/383730/|access-date=19 March 2020|publisher=The Print}}</ref> The ''Uttam'' radar will be used with DRDO's Unified Electronic Warfare suite.<ref>{{cite web|title=Single Engine Fighter Cancellation Provides An Opening For Tejas MK-2|url=http://delhidefencereview.com/2018/02/26/single-engine-fighter-cancellation-provides-an-opening-for-tejas-mk-2/|access-date=26 February 2018|publisher=Delhi Defence Review}}</ref> Indian Air Force Test Pilot School would start final demonstration trial of ''Uttam'' AESA radar from December 2021 and if successful will be sent for serial production. LRDE has completed 250 hours of performance testing on two Tejas fighters as well as Hawker 800 executive jet.<ref name=":0" />
The flight evaluation of the radar aboard Tejas Mark 1 is over, and the ''Uttam'' radar has successfully completed flight testing in all modes. In 2023, an updated ''Uttam'' radar was developed and placed on Limited Series Production aircraft in order to satisfy Tejas Mark 1A requirements. The ''Uttam'' radar was modified with an Active Array Antenna Unit and flight tested in Air to Air mode of operation for maximum range in July 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2025 |title=2023-24 Annual Report |url=https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR_2023-24-new-23-9-2025.pdf |access-date=10 October 2025 |website=Ministry of Defence, Government of India}}</ref>
As of April 2024, the radar has completed 125 test sorties onboard Tejas Mk 1 prototypes as per ADA Director Jitendra Jadhav. The radar has cleared testing Air to Air (A2A) and Air to Ground (A2G) modes while few more tests are yet to be conducted. The performance of the radar is on par with other proven designs like EL/M-2052.<ref name=":1" /> In April 2025, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification informed HAL and DRDO internally that the Uttam radar had finished four stages of flight testing. Furthermore, the radar hardware has passed qualification tests in accordance with the specifications of the Tejas Mark 1A. CEMILAC suggested that construction of the radar subsystems be started in order to facilitate the induction of the radar, with the principal system integrator being Hyderabad based HAL's avionics division.<ref name=":8" />
==Features==
*Full solid-state (electronics) radar, based on GaAs *High MTBCF (redundancy) *Range: >150 km<ref>{{Cite web |last=Linganna |first=Girish |date=2025-07-04 |title=Why Uttam will not be onboard Rafale-M fighter aircraft |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/india-rafale-uttam-aesa-radar-row-pm277kkg |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=english.mathrubhumi.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-07-02 |title=French Block on Uttam AESA Radar: India’s Rafale M Plans Face Hard Reality Check |url=https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/french-block-on-uttam-aesa-radar-indias-rafale-m-plans-face-hard-reality-check/ |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=Defence Security Asia |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Baidya |first=Satyaki |date=16 October 2025 |title=India's AMCA Rollout: 120 Jets At Rs 1,57,844 Crore, 2,600 km/h Speed, 6,500 kg Payload |url=https://www.news18.com/india/indias-amca-rollout-120-jets-at-rs-157844-crore-2600-km-h-speed-6500-kg-payload-ws-dkl-9639719.html |access-date=22 October 2025 |work=news18.com}}</ref> *Multi Target Tracking (50 Targets), Priority Tracking (4 Targets).<ref name=":0" /> *Simultaneous operation modes. *Solid-state, active phased array technology *Pulse Doppler, all aspect, shoot down capabilities *Simultaneous multi-target tracking and engaging *Simultaneous multi-mode operation *High ECM immunity *Electronic counter-countermeasure<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yadav |first=Abhinav |date=2025-08-04 |title=This made in India radar helps the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet track and lock on to 50 enemy jets at once |url=https://www.wionews.com/photos/this-made-in-india-radar-helps-the-tejas-mk2-fighter-jet-track-and-lock-on-to-50-enemy-jets-at-once-1754297812340 |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=Wion |language=en}}</ref> *Ultra-low side-lobe antenna *Flexible interfaces allowing scalable design.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-08 |title=Sukhoi Fighter Aircraft: DRDO Developed Fighter Jets With Indigenous Technology |url=https://www.patrika.com/en/special-news/sukhoi-fighter-aircraft-will-be-upgraded-with-indigenous-technology-19048729 |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=Patrika News |language=en}}</ref> *Modular hardware and software *Fast-beam agile system *Quad band TRM modules pack *High mission reliability (built with redundancy) *IFF modes. * C-band LOS, Ku band satcom link.
== Operational Modes ==
''Uttam'' AESA radar has a total of 18 modes in Air to Air, Air to Ground and Air to Sea roles. The modes have been validated on-board a business jet and further proofing is being done on HAL Tejas to validate the same on supersonic platform.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCiTZIJ_gqA|title= Uttam AESA Radar Update with Project Director Mr. D Seshagiri (LRDE)|publisher=Delh Defence Review|access-date=7 February 2020}}</ref> * Air-to-Air ** TWS/Multi-target detection and tracking ** Multi-target ACM ** High resolution raid assessment * Air-to-Ground ** High resolution imaging (SAR Mode) ** High resolution tracking (SAR Mode) ** AGR – Air-to-Ground Ranging ** RBM – Real Beam Map ** DBS – Doppler Beam Sharpening ** GMTI on RBM, SAR ** Weather * Air-to-Sea ** High resolution imaging (SAR Mode) ** High resolution tracking (SAR Mode) ** Sea search and multi-target tracking ** RS and ISAR classification modes.
== Virupaaksha == '''''Virupaaksha''''' radar is an advanced version of the ''Uttam Mk-II'' radar. The radar under development will replace the current N011M Bars radar being used onboard the Sukhoi Su-30MKI after the Super Sukhoi upgrade program.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=India plans to equip Russian-origin Su-30MKIs with indigenous 'Virupaaksha' radar |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-plans-to-equip-russian-origin-su-30mkis-with-indigenous-virupaaksha-radar/articleshow/104561110.cms |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-19 |title=Air Force to equip Su-30MKI fleet with indigenous 'Virupaaksha' radar |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/su-30mki-fighters-air-force-to-equip-its-fleet-with-indigenous-virupaksha-radar-2451237-2023-10-19 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=Virupaksha will transform IAF's Su-30MKI fighter into Super Sukhoi |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/specials/virupaksha-will-transform-iaf-sukhoi-fighter-aircraft-1.9790465 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> Virupaaksha weighs half as much as the N011M Bars.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Linganna |first=Girish |date=2024-08-06 |title=Virupaksha will transform IAF's Su-30MKI fighter into Super Sukhoi |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/specials/virupaksha-will-transform-iaf-sukhoi-fighter-aircraft-1.9790465 |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> The LRDE was working on the project, but got approval in October 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All-new AESA Radar “Virupaksha” for Su-30MKI Upgrade Shown At Aero India 2025 |url=https://www.defensemirror.com/news/38803/All_new_AESA_Radar____Virupaksha____for_Su_30MKI_Upgrade_Shown_At_Aero_India_2025 |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=defensemirror.com}}</ref> LRDE plans to set up "assembly jigs" to begin ground testing soon. These will be delivered within 16 weeks of the contract’s approval. The assembly will be completed within 15 weeks while the last week will be reserved for acceptance testing.<ref name=":3" />
''Virupaaksha'' utilises Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology with improved radar operational characteristics than Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) used by earlier variants. GaN provides better power output, enhanced thermal efficiency, wider bandwidth of operation, and a longer lifespan compared to earlier variants. The radar incorporates the quad transmit-receive modules (T/R modules) similar to Uttam but has a more densely packed configuration and has around 2400 modules based on GaN based planks. The plank configuration eases maintenance operations.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |date=2024-10-08 |title=Monstrous Virupaksha Radar of Su30 MKI Upgrade |url=https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2024/10/09/monstrous-virupaksha-radar-of-su30-mki-upgrade/?amp=1 |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=alphadefense.in |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thakkar |first=Dharmesh |date=2025-04-03 |title=India Surpasses Europe In Long-Range Radar Tech; DRDO’s Indigenous Systems Outmatch Western Counterparts |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/india-surpasses-europe-in-long-range-radar-tech-drdos-indigenous-systems-outmatch-western-counterparts |access-date=2025-10-22 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> Reportedly, the radar succeeded to track 64 to 100 aerial targets simultaneously during trials and offers at least 1.7 times increased head-on search range over the 140 km-range N011M Bars radar. It features advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM).<ref name=":4" />
The Virupaksha radar operates in the S-band frequency range, and can detect and track a wide range of targets like aircraft, helicopters, drones, and even ballistic missiles. It has a reported head-on search range of over 400 km, though the value is officially classified.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super-maneuverable Su-30 MKI gets an Indian all-seeing radar |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/amp/2023/10/20/super-maneuverable-su-30-mki-gets-an-indian-all-seeing-radar/ |access-date=2024-10-10 |website=bulgarianmilitary.com}}</ref> In air-to-air attack mode, Virupaaksha can maneuver, control, and direct six missiles simultaneously towards the target.<ref name=":6" /> It also features electronic steering, also present on Captor-E of the Eurofighter Typhoon, allowing a higher angle of view.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-07-18 |title=Virupaksha AESA Radar for IAF Su-30 MKI -- The Beast in Making |url=https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2025/07/19/virupaksha-radar-su30-upgrade/ |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=alphadefense.in |language=en-US}}</ref>
The radar consists of eight Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) which includes :<ref name=":9" />
# Active Array Antenna Unit # Exciter Unit # Radar Receiver Unit # Antenna Positioner # Radar Processing Unit # Cooling Unit # Radome # Antenna Power Supply Unit
The DRDO is yet to select the Development and Production Partner (DcPP) for the programme. The DcPP will be responsible to build a complete industrial ecosystem to supply the radars and must be equipped with skilled manpower, advanced infrastructure, and certified quality systems. The industrial partner will oversee integration, flight validation, and large-scale production of the radars along with its post-deployment support for 20 years. This mode of development will see the programme responsibility shifting towards the industry.<ref name=":9" />
The programme, after DcPP selection, will proceed in four phases. The first phase will span for 16 months and will include hardware realisation as well as designing of Ground Support and Automated Test Equipment. This will be immediately followed by a 15 month-long integration phase and 9 month-long flight trials for the radar's in-flight performance validation. The fourth and final stage will see the commencement of serial production within a two month window, after production clearance and the transfer of non-exclusive production license. Initially, LRDE is expected to deliver three radars for evaluation.<ref name=":9" />
The IAF plans to upgrade 84 Su-30MKIs with this radar in the first phase from 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-13 |title=IAF to Equip 84 Su-30MKI with Indigenous Virupaksha GaN-based AESA Radar Starting 2026, Countering Stealth Threats from China-Pak |url=https://defence.in/threads/iaf-to-equip-84-su-30mki-with-indigenous-virupaksha-gan-based-aesa-radar-starting-2026-countering-stealth-threats-from-china-pak.13695/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Defence News India |language=en-US}}</ref>
According to IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, over 200 of Su-30MKIs shall be upgraded to the Super Sukhoi standard with the Virupaksha radar.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Sana |date=2025-10-09 |title=IAF Begins Super Sukhoi Program to Transform 200 Su-30MKI Fighters into 4.7-Gen Platforms |url=https://jetlinemarvel.net/iaf-launches-super-sukhoi-program-transforming-200-fighters-into-4-7-gen-powerhouses/ |access-date=2025-10-16 |website=Jetline Marvel |language=English}}</ref>
== Applications == The fighter jet platforms that have been integrated with ''Uttam'' radar or are planned to be integrated are as follows:
{| class="wikitable" |+ Status of Radar Integration/Testing |- ! Aircraft / Platform ! Status ! Notes ! References |- | HAL Tejas Mk1/1A | Testing phase; Integrated on LSP 2 and 3 | Completed 125 developmental flights. | <ref name=":0" /> |- | Hawker 800 | Testing phase | Flight testbed configuration. | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Flight testbed to look out for on the static ramp at Aero India 2023! Introducing, RFT Hawker BAe 125 Series 800A in flight testbed configuration. @praneethfranklin |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CocfVqDvNfR/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e462981a-9036-4f74-aed4-03a53bab01a8&img_index=1 |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> |- | HAL Tejas Mk 2 | More capable version planned | "Angad", "Uttam" to replace imported systems. | <ref>{{cite news |date=15 October 2023 |title=Angad', 'Uttam' to replace imported systems in indigenous LCA fighter jets |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/angad-uttam-to-replace-imported-systems-in-indigenous-lca-fighter-jets20231015182148/ |access-date=14 February 2025 |agency=ANI}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Roblin |first1=Sebastien |date=12 August 2017 |title=Is India on the Verge of Building a Super Jet Fighter? |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/india-the-verge-building-super-jet-fighter-21880 |work=The National Interest |language=en}}</ref> |- | Sukhoi Su-30MKI | Planned from 2025 | During the Super Sukhoi upgrade, the present PESA Bars radar will be replaced by the ''Virupaaksha'' radar. In the first phase, 84 units would be upgraded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India, which would later increase to 200+ aircraft. | <ref name=":2" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Mayank |date=2023-02-15 |title=DRDO pushes for indigenous radar in Indian combat fleet |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/Feb/15/drdo-pushes-for-indigenous-radar-in-indian-combat-fleet-2547533.html |access-date=2025-02-15 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":10" /> |- | Mikoyan MiG-29UPG/Mikoyan MiG-29K | Planned from 2025 | | <ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7" /> |- | HAL TEDBF | Planned | | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Atma Nirbhar defence: Indigenous projects to look out for at Aero India 2021 |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/02/03/atma-nirbhar-defence-indigenous-projects-to-look-out-for-at-aero-india-2021.html |access-date=2021-02-08 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> |- | HAL AMCA | ''Virupaaksha'' variant planned | | <ref name="uttamaerojournal">{{cite web |title=Uttam AESA radar: Everything you need to know |url=http://www.aerojournalindia.com/enews/?p=2914 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713142605/http://www.aerojournalindia.com/enews/?p=2914 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=13 July 2019 |access-date=14 January 2019 |publisher=Aero Journal India}}</ref> |}
==Gallery== {{Gallery |width=160 | height=170 |File:Uttam radar integrated in LCA Tejas.jpg |''Uttam AESA Radar'' integrated in LCA Tejas showcased during Aero India 2019. |File:Uttam AESA radar on display at Aero India 2019.jpg |Uttam AESA radar on display at Aero India 2019 |File:Side profile of Uttam AESAR.jpg |Side profile of Uttam AESAR. |File:AAAU of DRDO Uttam AESA radar.png |The Active Antenna Array Unit (AAAU) of Uttam AESA radar on static display at Aero India, 2019 }}
==See also== * HAL Tejas * HAL Tejas Mark 2 * HAL TEDBF * HAL AMCA * DRDO AEW&CS * Phased array * Active electronically scanned array
==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:Aircraft radars Category:Military radars of India Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation