IAF procuring more radars that can detect stealth aircraft, fill in gaps left by traditional equipment

To beef up its capabilities to detect stealth aircraft and to fill in certain existing gaps in the air defence network, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has drawn up plans to procure additional very high frequency (VHF) radars to deployment in remote high altitude areas.

VHF radars, according to experts, operate use longer wavelengths than traditional radars. These wavelengths are able to penetrate the radar-absorbing coatings on stealth aircraft, then making them easier to detect. They can also pick up targets at longer ranges.

The IAF’s move to procure VHF radars assume significance in the light of China fielding fifth generation J-20 fighters that have stealth capabilities and reports of Pakistan also moving to acquire these aircraft. Also the emerging nature of warfare revolving around low observable platforms like drones and cruise missiles require enhanced, multi-pronged surveillance capability.

“At present there are several areas where due to terrain limitation, long range radar cannot be deployed. Additionally, existing radars has limited stealth detection capability” a request for information (RFI) floated by the Ministry of Defence last week states.

“Thus, VHF radar system is planned to be effectively used for air defence surveillance, especially near border areas and mountainous terrain to fill the radar gaps and to effectively detect stealth aircraft,” the RFI adds.

The IAF wants VHF radars that can be fully compatible with its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This system, along with the Army’s Akashteer, had come into limelight during Operation Sindoor, the brief but intense military exchange majorly involving drones and missiles, during May this year.

The radars systems can be mounted on 6x6 high mobility vehicles capable of being fully functional at altitudes of up to 18,000 feet and in sub-zero, inclement weather conditions, along with having the required electronic counter measures.

While VHF radars, which operate in the frequency band of 30-200 megahertz, can detect stealth aircraft, experts however point out that these have some technical deficiencies like lower resolution and accuracy as compared to conventional radars which generally operate in the 1-28 gigahertz bandwidth.

VHF radars also have a larger antenna.

There have also been indigenous developments in his arena. The Defence Research and Development’s (DRDO) Electronics and Radar Development Establishment has developed a VHF Surveillance Radar, while a private Bengaluru-based firm has come up Surya VHF Radar. Both these radars have a claimed detection range of up to 500 km.

While DRDO’s system is undergoing operational trails, with the potential for further upgrades in its capability, some Surya radars were reportedly inducted into service earlier this year.