NEW DELHI — May 4, 2026 : India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Astra Microwave Products Limited, is developing a next-generation Long Range Multi-Function Radar (LRMFR) for the Indian Navy’s upcoming Project-18 (P-18) Next-Generation Destroyers. The radar, featuring a 6-metre antenna array, represents one of the largest naval Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) systems currently under development.
System Design and Technical Specifications
The LRMFR is an S-band AESA radar designed for long-range surveillance, tracking, and fire control roles. Each radar face incorporates an Active Antenna Array Unit (AAAU) with a diameter of 6 metres, providing an effective aperture of approximately 36 square metres. The system integrates around 2,400 gallium nitride (GaN)-based transmit/receive modules (TRMs) per array face.
The larger antenna aperture allows for higher transmit power and improved sensitivity, enabling detection of a broad spectrum of threats including fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, and anti-ship ballistic missiles. Detection ranges are expected to exceed 400 kilometres, with some assessments indicating capabilities beyond 500 kilometres.
The radar is configured with four fixed AESA panels mounted on the ship’s superstructure, ensuring full 360-degree coverage. In addition to volume search, the system supports precision tracking, missile guidance, and ballistic missile defence (BMD) roles. It is also designed to provide electronic warfare support and target illumination for surface-to-air missile systems.
Comparative Scale with Global Naval Radars
The 6-metre LRMFR array exceeds the size of comparable systems deployed by major naval powers.
The U.S. Navy’s AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar, developed by Raytheon for the Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers, features array faces measuring approximately 4.27 metres in diameter. Each array uses 37 Radar Modular Assemblies, operates in the S-band, and offers detection ranges exceeding 300 nautical miles, with the ability to track over 600 targets simultaneously. U.S. Navy assessments have indicated that integrating radar arrays approaching 6 metres would require a larger hull than the current Arleigh Burke design.
Similarly, China’s Type 346B “Dragon Eye” radar, deployed on Type 055 destroyers of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, incorporates four AESA panels that are larger than the earlier Type 346A but remain smaller than the 6-metre configuration of the Indian LRMFR. The Type 346B is estimated to provide a 60 percent increase in detection range over its predecessor.
Integration with Project-18 Destroyers
The LRMFR is a central component of the Project-18 (P-18) program, which aims to develop a new class of stealth guided-missile destroyers with a displacement of approximately 11,000 to 13,000 tonnes. These vessels are intended to replace the aging Rajput-class destroyers and will be larger than the existing 7,400-tonne Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) ships.
The size and power requirements of the 6-metre radar indicate that the P-18 destroyers will incorporate enhanced power generation and internal volume to support high-energy sensor systems. The ships are expected to feature integrated full electric propulsion, advanced electronic warfare suites, and a high degree of stealth design.
The radar will serve as the primary sensor for fleet air defence, enabling long-range detection and engagement of aerial and missile threats. It is also designed to replace the Israeli-origin MF-STAR radars currently deployed on Kolkata-class and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers.
Weapon Systems and Combat Integration
Project-18 destroyers are expected to be equipped with 120 to 144 vertical launch system (VLS) cells. These will support a mix of indigenous and advanced missile systems, including BrahMos cruise missiles, extended-range BrahMos variants, the BrahMos-2 hypersonic missile under development, as well as VL-SRSAM and MR-SAM air defence systems.
The LRMFR’s multi-function capability allows it to perform simultaneous search, track, and fire control operations, ensuring seamless integration with these weapon systems. Its open architecture design supports future upgrades and aligns with India’s objective of increasing indigenous defence content.
Development and Testing Roadmap
The LRMFR has been designed by DRDO, with manufacturing led by Astra Microwave Products Limited. The system is scheduled for integration and testing aboard INS Anvesh, the Indian Navy’s technology demonstration vessel.
Development of the radar forms part of a broader effort involving collaboration with domestic industry partners, including Bharat Electronics Limited, to establish a fully indigenous radar ecosystem for naval platforms.
Strategic Context
The Project-18 program represents the next phase in the Indian Navy’s surface fleet modernization, complementing other initiatives such as next-generation frigates and corvettes. With its larger aperture and enhanced performance characteristics, the LRMFR is expected to improve detection capability, tracking precision, and operational effectiveness in complex maritime environments.
The program is projected to play a significant role in strengthening India’s blue-water naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region through the 2030s and beyond.
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