Uttam Radar Order Boosts Tejas Mk-1A Indigenisation with Rs 2,205 Crore
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
Astra Microwave has received a Rs 2,205 crore order from HAL for indigenous Uttam radar components, marking a significant step in the 'Make in India' defence initiative. This order will equip the second batch of Tejas Mk-1A fighters with an indigenous AESA radar, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Background
The Uttam radar is an indigenously developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar by DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment. The Tejas Mk-1A fighter, ordered in two batches (83 and 97), will initially use Israeli radars, but the second batch will feature the indigenous Uttam radar.
Key facts
Astra Microwave received an order worth Rs 2,205 crore from HAL for 122 Active Antenna Array Units (AAAU) and 121 Interface Frames for the Uttam Radar.
The Uttam radar is an indigenously developed AESA radar, slated for deployment on the second tranche of Tejas Mk-1A fighters.
The Tejas Mk-1A has been ordered in two batches: 83 in the first and 97 in the second, with 40 additional Tejas in IOC/FOC configurations.
The Uttam radar is a solid-state Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) based AESA radar, developed by DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment.
HAL is the lead integrator, while Bharat Electronics supplies major subsystems.
The Uttam Mk-1 houses 912 transmit/receive modules and offers a detection range of around 150 km against tactical targets.
It supports air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime modes, including synthetic aperture radar imaging, ground moving target indication, and raid assessment.
The initial 83 Tejas Mk-1A will use the Israeli EL/M-2052 radar, while IOC/FOC variants use the EL/M-2032 radar.
Prelims pointers
- Uttam Radar: Indigenous AESA radar developed by DRDO.
- Astra Microwave: Private firm receiving the order.
- HAL: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, lead integrator.
- Tejas Mk-1A: Light Combat Aircraft variant.
- AESA: Active Electronically Scanned Array.
- GaAs: Gallium Arsenide, semiconductor material.
- DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation.
- EL/M-2052: Israeli radar used in initial Tejas Mk-1A.
- IOC/FOC: Initial Operational Clearance / Final Operational Clearance.
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of indigenous defence production in achieving self-reliance in critical technologies.
- Critically examine the challenges and opportunities in the 'Make in India' initiative for defence sector.
- Analyse the role of private sector participation in defence manufacturing.