Uttam AESA Radar to Be Derived from 41st Tejas Mk1A Aircraft, Confirms DRDO Chief
During a recent discussion with Tarmak Media House, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), put paid to speculation about the radar systems to be fitted to India's Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. Contrary to what was reported, that all 73 units would have the Israeli ELM-2052 AESA radar, Dr. Kamat explained, "No, I don't think that's true. Talks are still on, and the plan is to fit the Uttam AESA radar from the 41st Tejas Mk1A aircraft.
The Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which was indigenously developed by DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), is a significant leap in India's march towards defence self-sufficiency. Though the early batches of production for the Tejas Mk1A might depend on foreign radars to meet delivery schedules, the shift towards the indigenous Uttam radar has been firmly established.
Dr. Kamat underlined that this change is in line with the overall objective of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program, which aims to decrease reliance on imports and improve homegrown capabilities. The Uttam radar will greatly enhance the Tejas Mk1A's battle advantage, providing enhanced target detection, tracking, and electronic warfare capabilities that are on a par with other international platforms.
The ultimate radar solution for the entire fleet of Tejas Mk1A will be a function of current technical assessments and strategic deals between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), DRDO, and the Indian Air Force (IAF). Still, Dr. Kamat's statement indicates beyond doubt that India is dedicated to giving national innovation and technology the top priority in its defence production strategy.
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