India's Great Technological Leap in Radar
India has made a new kind of radar known as photonic radar. It has the ability to detect enemy planes earlier and with greater precision. It is a landmark development in defense technology. Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) of DRDO at Bangalore developed this radar. India becomes a part of that elite club of countries capable of detecting stealth aircraft with this.
How It Varies from Conventional Radar
Conventional military radars employ radio frequency (RF) waves. The systems were initially designed in the 1940s. They struggle to detect stealth planes, drones, and slow-moving or low-altitude targets. To address this, India came up with photonic radar, which employs light waves rather than RF waves. It transmits light to form radar signals via lasers and optical fibers.
Advantages of Photonic Radar
- It has quicker and more precise detection ability.
- In comparison to RF radars, it operates at various wavelengths, making it have a broader band.
- It provides high-resolution, 3D images of multiple objects simultaneously.
- It is able to detect stealth aircraft, drones, and missiles evaded by normal radars.
- It resists electronic jamming techniques commonly employed by hostile forces.
- It generates less heat, thus enhancing efficiency.
- It employs photonic integrated circuits that accelerate the processing of signals and minimize distortion.
Countries Investing in Photonic Systems
Those countries such as the United States, China, and Israel have already begun working on photonic radar systems. India is now joining them.
Plans for Testing and Deployment
DRDO plans to conduct large-scale tests at the end of this year. These tests will take place in both mountain and coastal regions. India also aims to link this new radar with its current air defense systems such as Akash. It can be fitted on fighter jets like Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, and Tejas. Its compact size allows installation on mobile platforms, making it suitable for border deployment near China and Pakistan.
