Rajendra Radar
The Rajendra Radar is a multifunctional, passive electronically scanned phased array radar developed in India by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It serves as the fire control and tracking radar for the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) System, enabling detection, tracking, and engagement of multiple aerial targets simultaneously. Its design and capabilities make it a critical component of India’s indigenous air defence network.
Background and Development
The radar was developed as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) initiated in the 1980s. The objective was to build an indigenous, high-performance fire control radar to complement the Akash missile system, reducing dependency on foreign technology.
Rajendra Radar underwent multiple phases of testing and refinement during the 1990s and 2000s, before being inducted into operational service with both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
Design and Features
The Rajendra Radar is designed as a 3D multifunction phased array radar capable of simultaneously performing surveillance, target tracking, missile guidance, and fire control.
Key features include:
- Detection range: Up to 150 km for surveillance and detection of targets.
- Tracking capability: Can track up to 64 targets simultaneously.
- Engagement capability: Can guide and engage up to 4 targets at once with 12 missiles.
- Antenna: Passive phased array antenna with electronic beam steering.
- Mobility: Mounted on a mobile tracked vehicle (BMP chassis for the Army variant, Tatra truck for the Air Force variant) for battlefield mobility.
- Frequency band: Operates in the G/H-band (4–8 GHz).
Operational Role
The radar provides the core functionality for the Akash Air Defence System:
- Target detection: Identifies incoming aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and missiles.
- Target tracking: Maintains continuous surveillance and high-precision tracking of multiple threats.
- Missile guidance: Provides command guidance updates to Akash missiles in flight for accurate interception.
- Fire control: Coordinates engagement sequences, optimising multi-target defence.
Variants
- Army version: Mounted on a tracked platform for mobility in rugged terrain, supporting field formations.
- Air Force version: Mounted on wheeled platforms for strategic air defence around airbases and fixed installations.
- Upgraded versions: Later improvements include enhanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and improved reliability for all-weather, day-night operations.
Importance and Strategic Value
The Rajendra Radar holds significance for multiple reasons:
- Indigenous development: Demonstrates India’s capability to design and deploy advanced phased array radar systems.
- Force multiplier: By enabling simultaneous multi-target tracking and engagement, it enhances air defence effectiveness.
- Integration: Forms part of a networked system including surveillance radars, missile launchers, and command centres, ensuring layered defence.
- Export potential: Along with the Akash missile, Rajendra Radar is part of India’s growing defence export portfolio.
Limitations and Challenges
While advanced for its time, Rajendra Radar has faced some challenges:
- Range limitation compared to newer active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars.
- Mobility constraints due to the weight and size of its platform.
- Technological competition from newer-generation radars with higher target discrimination and anti-stealth capabilities.
Contemporary Relevance
With the introduction of Akash-NG (New Generation), the Rajendra Radar system has been undergoing upgrades to improve range, accuracy, and electronic warfare resilience. The radar remains operationally relevant and continues to support India’s medium-range air defence network, both for the Army and the Air Force.
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