The Su-30 MKI's Secret Weapon: Decoding the Virupaksha Radar
The Indian Air Force is giving its Su-30 MKI fighter jets a big upgrade. The main part of this upgrade is a new radar called the Virupaksha Radar, made in India by DRDO's lab, LRDE. This radar uses advanced technology to help pilots see better, aim more accurately, and carry out missions more safely. With this upgrade, India is making sure its air force stays strong and ready to face any new threats in the sky.
The Virupaksha Radar was made by LRDE in India to handle both today's and tomorrow's battle needs. It makes the Su-30 MKI fighter jet better at detecting enemies, jamming their systems, and attacking targets. Since this radar is made in India, it reduces the need to buy such systems from other countries and helps India become more self-reliant in defense.
You're right. Let me now include all the key points from the original while keeping the language very simple and clear for a general audience, without losing any important detail:
Virupaksha: A Giant Takes Shape
The Virupaksha Radar is a powerful new radar system being developed in India for the Su-30 MKI fighter jets. It uses a special technology called GaN (Gallium Nitride), which is better than older materials like GaAs (Gallium Arsenide). GaN helps the radar stay cooler, use less power, and still work very strongly—this is very important during long or intense air battles.
The radar is based on something called AESA technology, which means Active Electronically Scanned Array. Instead of moving parts to scan the sky, it uses electronic signals to quickly shift its focus in any direction. This makes the radar much faster and more reliable.
A big highlight of the Virupaksha Radar is that it will have 2,400 Transmit-Receive Modules (TRMs). These are like tiny signal units that help the radar see and track objects in the sky. To understand how advanced this is:
India's Tejas fighter jet has about 700 TRMs
The French Rafale has around 1,200 TRMs
But the new Virupaksha Radar will have 2,400 TRMs — the highest in India's air fleet.
This means it will have much better ability to detect targets from far away, track many things at once, and respond quickly in combat.
The radar will also deliver:
High peak power – It can send strong signals to detect even small or far-away targets.
Extended range – It can see farther than older radars.
Fast beam steering – It can quickly change direction to look at different parts of the sky.
One more important feature is its electronic steering, just like the radar used in the Eurofighter Typhoon (called the Captor-E radar). This allows the radar to cover a wider area (wide azimuth coverage) and control its beam movement with great flexibility. That's very useful in fast-moving air battles where every second matters.
Overall, the Virupaksha Radar will make the Su-30 MKI jets much smarter, faster, and more deadly—keeping India's skies safer with advanced Indian-made technology.
Making Fighter Jets Smarter: The Role of Virupaksha Radar
The Virupaksha Radar is made up of eight main parts, called Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). These parts work together to make the radar powerful and reliable.
Some important parts include:
The Active Array Antenna, which sends and receives signals.
The Exciter Unit, which starts the radar signal.
The Radar Receiver, which picks up signals coming back from targets.
Other parts, like the Antenna Positioner, Radar Processor, and Cooling System, help the radar stay accurate, process information fast, and keep it from overheating. The Radome (the cover that protects the antenna) and the Antenna Power Supply complete the system.
Each of these parts has a special job that helps the radar see farther, stay accurate, and manage power well.
This radar is fully designed and developed by DRDO, India's defense research agency. A special partner, known as the Development-cum-Production Partner (DCPP), will help build and install it on Indian Air Force fighter jets.
DCPP at the Heart of Radar Project Delivery
The chosen Development-cum-Production Partner (DCPP) has a big responsibility. It's not just about supplying parts, but also setting up everything needed to support the radar system fully. This includes having trained workers, modern facilities, and proper quality checks in place.
Once selected, the DCPP will handle key tasks like fitting the radar into the fighter jet, testing it in flight, and later producing it in large numbers.
Most importantly, the DCPP must also provide long-term support for at least 20 years. This means they must supply spare parts, upgrade the system when needed, offer training, and help with maintenance directly on the aircraft.
As this long-term phase begins, LRDE (the DRDO lab that developed the radar) will step back, and the DCPP will take over full responsibility, according to a report by alphadefence.in.
The entire project is planned in four simple steps:
Step One (16 months): The DCPP helps build the radar parts and also designs special tools needed to test and support the radar on the ground.
Step Two (15 months): The radar is carefully fitted into the fighter jet. Engineers make sure everything works smoothly together. At the same time, the radar is tested in the air for 9 months to check how well it performs during real flights.
Step Three (2 months): Once all tests are passed, the project gets the green signal to start mass production. This step ensures that full manufacturing can begin without any hold-ups.
Throughout the Project: The DCPP must be ready to adjust plans as needed. If the Indian Air Force asks for changes or improvements, the partner must respond quickly and smoothly.
Ownership, Challenges, and What Comes Next
DRDO will keep full ownership of the design and technology behind the Virupaksha Radar. But once the radar passes all tests, the chosen DCPP will get permission to make and support the radar. This permission is not exclusive, meaning others could also get it if needed.
At first, DRDO's lab LRDE will provide three radars for testing. If these work well, the Indian Air Force may place a bigger order—possibly around 50 radars over the next 10 to 15 years. Though the number isn't fixed, a large order is expected if everything goes smoothly.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
a minute ago
- India.com
India may stun everyone by rejecting Su-57 fighter jet to buy F-35 from US due to..., move may prove game changer for IAF because...
The F-35 Fighter jet-Image for representational purpose American F‑35 fighter aircraft news: As India phases out its old MiG‑21 fighter jet fleet amid growing threats from China and Pakistan, the Indian Air Force is exploring options to quickly acquire fifth-generation fighter jets. Among the top options that India has been offered are the American F‑35 and the Russian Su‑57, both seen as game-changers. It was earlier reported that India may go for the purchase of Russian Su‑57 fighter jets but as of the recent update, reports suggest that India may purchase the American F‑35 fighter aircraft. Why India may choose American F‑35 fighter aircraft? Taking about the while the F‑35 offers cutting-edge stealth and combat technology, it comes with limitations such as lack of weapons integration flexibility and possible restrictions on technology sharing. On the other hand, the Su‑57 is more compatible with India's existing defence systems and may offer opportunities for co-production under the 'Make in India' initiative. Choosing between the two could significantly influence India's defence posture and global alignments. However, reports now say that India may surprise everyone and buy US's F-35 fighter aircraft because it uses world's most advanced stealth technology, has world class network-centric warfare capabilities and this aircraft has proven itself in war. Another advantage of the F-35 aircraft is that it is extremely effective in carrying out surgical strikes against Pakistan on terrorist hideout. India's 5th-generation stealth fighter jet gets key clearance Meanwhile, the government of India, in a major push towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), approved the Execution Model for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme recently. As per a report by IANS news agency, the AMCA project clearance marks a critical step towards realising India's goal of joining an elite club of nations in designing and producing its own fleet of next-generation combat aircraft. The project will be helmed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), said the Defence Ministry in a press release. Designed with low radar cross-section and supercruise capability, the AMCA is seen as the successor to the frontline Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets. Some reports suggest that its mass production is likely to commence by 2035. (With inputs from agencies)
India.com
3 hours ago
- India.com
Is India's good friend cheating it over jointly developed air defense system? The friend is..., it is selling DRDO's...,
New Delhi: India and Israel have had a strong defense partnership for the last several decades. But this is the first time that questions have been raised on the intentions of the friendly country. Allegations are being made that Israel is marketing and trying to sell this air defense system alone, which it had made in collaboration with India's DRDO. What is the advanced air defense system in question? Barak-8 is an advanced air defense system. This is the same system that intercepted and shot down a Pakistani missile in the sky in Sirsa, Haryana. It has been developed jointly by India's DRDO and Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries. According to the latest reports, Israel is now trying to sell this missile to some countries of the world by giving it a new name of 'Barak-MX'. Barak-8 was an important milestone in the strategic relations between the two countries, but Israel's attempt to sell this missile alone is going to trouble India. Why could it affect DRDO's credibility? A website named has claimed that Israel has not included the technology developed by DRDO in the export variant of Barak-8 air defense system. Especially the dual pulse rocket motor has not been included by Israel in the variant being sold. Israel's attempt to do so hurts the hard work of DRDO, its capability and the name it is building in the defense sector as it has made many weapons based on indigenous technology for India. What is the contribution of Indian entities in this project? India started this project in 2006 with Israel at an initial cost of Rs 2500 crore with an aim developing advanced air defense systems for both countries. This air defense system was designed to intercept ballistic missiles, advanced drones, cruise missiles and fighter aircraft up to the fourth generation. Major Indian defense companies including Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) were involved in the production of essential parts of this system. In collaboration with Israel, India has developed an advanced air defense system, which has also proved its capability by shooting down the Pakistani ballistic missile Fateh-2 in the air. DRDO developed a special dual-pulse rocket motor for the Barak air defense system which gives the missile fired from this air defense system the ability to maintain its speed and change direction suddenly until it hits the target. Israel also got a huge defense market like India for this missile defense system. Why is Israel selling this system unilaterally under a different name? Despite this, Israel is selling this system unilaterally under the name 'Barak MX' for which it has signed a deal with Azerbaijan for 12 Barak air defense systems. In 2022, Israel had signed a deal worth $ 500 million with Morocco. The main point of contention is that the Barak air defense systems that Israel is selling do not have dual-pulse rocket motors, which have been developed by DRDO. Reportedly, Israel is talking to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about the sale of Barak defense systems. Is Israel trying to bypass India? According to by using its propulsion system in the export model of the Barak Defense System, Israel is bypassing the help that India has provided at the technology level. Due to this, India is not getting any benefit in the global defense market. Apart from this, the situation is also not clear regarding the intellectual property and data rights related to this project, which raises questions on India's technical and economic participation. According to the report, Israel's doing this has put New Delhi into action. It is believed that if Israel tries to make partnerships on a unilateral basis, then both future strategic cooperation and trust in Israel may be affected. This may affect future defense agreements between the two countries.
Mint
10 hours ago
- Mint
Operation Sindoor spurs $4.5 billion drive for cutting-edge defence technology
The Indian Air Force, Army and Navy will gain greater access to sophisticated global defence technology under an emergency procurement package cumulatively worth about $4.5 billion, three officials with direct knowledge of the matter told Mint. The project, approved shortly after Operation Sindoor, is designed to fill gaps in India's national defence technologies, giving the three defence arms access to technologies from the US and other trusted nations as early as next year. The emergency procurement programme is largely focused on uninterrupted space surveillance technologies, data analytics, and combat drones, the officials said, requesting anonymity owing to the sensitive nature of the deals. 'Roughly, each emergency procurement deal for cutting-edge defence technologies that any of the forces sign can be worth $30-35 million," one of the officials said, adding that more than 100 such deals are expected to be evaluated and closed by the end of this year. 'The most sophisticated technologies are right now not within the capabilities of Indian manufacturers, which necessitates us to procure cutting-edge weaponry from outside of India," said the second of the three officials. 'For the most part, the decisions were also sparked by dynamics among India's geographical neighbours and their internal collaborations, urging the ministry of defence to expedite India's access to contactless warfare infrastructure," this official said. The Indian Air Force is also in talks with multiple combat drone suppliers from the US, Israel, Ukraine and Russia to evaluate sourcing of unmanned aerial vehicles, according to the officials. The ministry of defence did not reply to emails sent on 22 July. Room for larger collaborations Procurement deals for the defence technologies are expected to be finalised by November for imports, and access likely to be made available as early as the first half of the next calendar year, according to the officials. While each deal would be of a relatively small quantum, the initial commercial agreements signed between the defence forces and the foreign entities in question would leave the room open for larger collaborations, the officials said. Currently, US defence supplier Shield AI is working with JSW Group's aerospace and military services subsidiary, JSW Defence and Aerospace, to indigenize its V-Bat drones. The two entities signed a $90-million partnership in December. A senior executive close to developments said Shield AI is in talks with the Indian Air Force to be a supplier as part of India's emergency procurement programme. 'The goal for Shield is two-pronged: to start with supplying its V-Bat drones to India as part of the emergency procurement programme, and subsequently be JSW Defence's technology partner in India's goal of using indigenous combat drones in the long run," the executive added, declining to be identified. Shield AI did not respond to Mint's queries emailed on 24 July. Other global defence technology vendors have also expressed interest in India's emergency procurement programme. 'India is one of the world's largest economies, and as we saw as part of the recent Operation Sindoor skirmish, non-contact warfare is a crucial aspect of future national security strategies," said Sameer Patil, director of centre for security, strategy and technology at global think-tank Observer Research Foundation. 'India's emergency procurement push involves both loitering munition and precision stand-off capabilities, which would expand India's conventional warfighting capabilities without having to climb the nuclear escalation ladder," Patil said. 'In case of major previous threats to national security such as in 2008 and 2016, the availability of cutting-edge drones and precision munitions is what India lacked." Sharper eye in the sky The uninterrupted space surveillance technology India is seeking will require ultra-high-resolution satellites as well as low-latency transmissions for round-the-clock operations. 'India's current surveillance satellite infrastructure is not sufficient to provide continuous surveillance because of the limited numbers. The gap is presently filled by taking imagery from foreign commercial companies," said Anil Kumar Bhatt, director general of space industry body, Indian Space Association. 'India's Space-Based Surveillance-3 (SBS-3) programme, under the Centre, is currently being implemented to bring such capabilities through 52 satellites, of which 31 will be supplied by the private sector," he added. For deeper capability building in defence technology, however, India needs to invest actively in research and development. The current emergency procurement contracts are not expected to come with indigenisation and technology transfer agreements. The current spree of emergency procurement 'underlines India's need to invest in defence-led research and development, including incentivizing the private sector to spend more," said Patil. Incidentally, in the 2025-26 Union Budget, the government increased the allocation to India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) by 12% to $3.1 billion.
