Uttam AESA Radar · Uttam Mk-1 (fire control), Uttam Mk-2 (advanced)
India's indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) fire-control radar; DRDO LRDE design; ~200 km detection range; intended for Tejas Mk-2, AMCA, and Su-30MKI upgrades.
Last verified:
At a Glance
- OEM
- DRDO LRDE Bangalore — design; BEL — production
- Variant
- Uttam Mk-1 (fire control); Uttam Mk-2 (advanced, higher power)
- Type
- Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) fire-control radar
- Detection range
- ~200 km (air-to-air, estimated for Mk-1)
- T/R modules
- GaN-based transmit/receive modules (indigenous)
- Modes
- Air-to-air search/track, air-to-ground mapping, terrain following, weather
- Platforms
- Tejas Mk-2 (primary), AMCA (planned), Su-30MKI upgrade (planned)
- Features
- Low probability of intercept (LPI), multi-target tracking, electronic beam steering
- Status
- Development / integration phase
- indicators
- []
- key specs
- []
What It Is
The Uttam AESA Radar is India's indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) fire-control radar designed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) of DRDO in Bangalore and intended for production by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The Uttam uses gallium nitride (GaN)-based transmit/receive (T/R) modules for active electronic beam steering, providing detection ranges of approximately 200 km in air-to-air mode. AESA technology represents a generational leap over mechanically scanned and passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radars, offering multi-target tracking, low probability of intercept (LPI), electronic beam steering, and simultaneous multi-mode operation (air-to-air search/track, air-to-ground mapping, terrain-following, weather). The Uttam Mk-1 is the initial fire-control variant intended primarily for the Tejas Mk-2, while the Uttam Mk-2 is an advanced variant with higher power and improved capabilities planned for the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) and Su-30MKI fleet upgrades. The programme is in the development/integration phase, with trials ongoing.
Deployments & Procurement
The Uttam AESA radar is in the development/integration phase. It is the planned fire-control radar for Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA. Integration on Su-30MKI fleet upgrades is also planned.
| Agency | Context | Year | Quantity / Note | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DRDO / HAL | Uttam AESA development | — | Development ongoing; integration on Tejas Mk-2 primary target | [1] |
| Indian Air Force | Su-30MKI AESA upgrade | — | Planned upgrade path for Su-30MKI fleet with Uttam AESA | [1][2] |
Open Questions
- Exact timeline for Tejas Mk-2 integration not publicly confirmed
- Whether Uttam will be the sole AESA radar for all Indian fighter programmes
- GaN T/R module production maturity and scale
- Whether the Su-30MKI upgrade will use Uttam or an imported AESA (e.g. Israeli Elta EL/M-2052)
Import Dependencies
Indigenous design with progressive localisation of critical components. GaN T/R modules are a key indigenous development.
| Component | Severity | Note | Pillar | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GaN T/R modules | Medium | Indigenous GaN fabrication being developed; some initial production may use imported wafers | /research/pillars/defence/ | [1] |
| Radar signal processor | Low | Indigenous development by BEL/DRDO | /research/pillars/defence/ |
Intelligence Assessment
Methodology: /research/methodology
BEL production planned; GaN T/R module production being localised
Sources: [1]
GaN T/R modules being localised; some initial production may import wafers
Sources: [1]
Development/integration phase; scale dependent on Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA production
Sources: [1]
Could be offered for upgrade packages on legacy aircraft; competitive AESA capability
Knowledge Graph
Peer Systems
Related Pillars
Timeline
FAQ
What is an AESA radar?
An Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar uses a large array of individual transmit/receive (T/R) modules to electronically steer the radar beam without physically moving the antenna. This provides faster scanning, multi-target tracking, lower probability of intercept (LPI), and simultaneous multi-mode operation compared to mechanically scanned or passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radars. AESA is the current state-of-the-art for fighter aircraft radars.
Sources: [1]
Which aircraft will use the Uttam AESA?
The Uttam Mk-1 is the primary fire-control radar for the Tejas Mk-2. The Uttam Mk-2 is planned for the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) and as a fleet upgrade for the Su-30MKI. Whether the Su-30MKI upgrade will use the Uttam or an imported AESA (such as the Israeli Elta EL/M-2052) has not been publicly confirmed.
How does Uttam compare to the Israeli Elta EL/M-2052?
The Elta EL/M-2052 is a mature, operational AESA radar with ~200+ km detection range, already in service on some Indian upgraded aircraft. The Uttam is India's indigenous AESA with comparable claimed specifications (~200 km). The Uttam's advantage is full indigenous design and production sovereignty, while the EL/M-2052 benefits from operational maturity and Israeli combat-proven technology. The choice between them for specific platforms is a procurement and strategic decision.
Sources: [1]
Open Questions
- Exact timeline for Tejas Mk-2 integration not publicly confirmed
- Whether Uttam will be the sole AESA radar for all Indian fighter programmes
- GaN T/R module production maturity and scale
- Whether the Su-30MKI upgrade will use Uttam or imported AESA
- Uttam Mk-2 specifications and timeline not publicly confirmed
Sources
- src-1IndicativeUttam AESA radar — Wikipedia
Uttam AESA radar specifications and programme history
- src-2OfficialDRDO LRDE — radar development
DRDO LRDE — radar and electronic systems development (domain root)
- src-3Credible'Make in India' radar programme to help Tejas track targets gets Rs 2,205 crore boost
Uttam radar funding report
- src-4CredibleUttam AESA Radar Achieves Major Milestone: Extensive Flight Testing Completed on Tejas LSP-2 and LSP-3
Uttam flight-test milestone report
- src-atlas-listingIndicativeUttam AESA Radar — Defence Atlas listing
Own register: indicative only, never official per standing evidence rules. All listing-derived figures in this dossier are attributed to this source.