DAC Set to Reject DRDO's 'Uttam' Radar for Rafale-M Over Cost and Integration Delays
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is likely to reject the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) proposal to integrate its indigenously developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, called 'Uttam,' into the Rafale-M fighters. This decision, which has caught attention due to its implications for India’s "Make in India" initiative, primarily stems from concerns over high costs and significant delays in integration, according to a recent report by Hindustan Times.
The Indian Navy has an urgent need to expand its fleet of Rafale-M fighters to strengthen its air combat capabilities, especially with the commissioning of the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and the aging of its current MiG-29K fleet. While the DRDO's 'Uttam' radar has shown promise in other platforms like the Tejas MkII and is even being considered for upgrades to the MiG-29K, the complexities surrounding its integration into the Rafale-M have raised red flags.
The 'Uttam' radar, an advanced AESA system, is designed to offer superior tracking, targeting, and electronic warfare capabilities. AESA radars are highly coveted for their ability to simultaneously track multiple targets and perform complex missions, such as electronic jamming and precise missile guidance, which gives them an edge over traditional radars. The 'Uttam' radar, under development by DRDO, has been seen as a significant leap forward in India’s indigenous defense technology landscape.
However, integrating a new radar into an existing aircraft like the Rafale-M is no small feat. The process would require extensive testing, software integration, hardware adjustments, and aircraft certification, all of which take time and substantial financial investment. The Rafale-M already comes equipped with the battle-proven RBE2 AESA radar, which has been thoroughly tested and is fully integrated with the aircraft’s combat systems. Given the current timeline pressures and the need for a reliable solution, the DAC appears to be leaning toward retaining the RBE2 radar system instead of opting for the still-developing 'Uttam' radar.
Another factor weighing heavily on the DAC's decision is the cost. Developing and integrating a new radar system could lead to budget overruns and push delivery timelines beyond acceptable limits, which would strain the Navy’s plans for immediate force enhancement. The Rafale-M’s RBE2 radar, being a proven system, offers a reliable solution with no additional development costs or delays. Thus, while the DRDO’s 'Uttam' radar would align with India’s broader goal of indigenization, the immediate needs of the Navy seem to be taking precedence.
Despite this potential setback, DRDO’s efforts with the 'Uttam' radar are far from over. The radar continues to progress as part of the Tejas MkII program and is slated to play a crucial role in the future modernization of the MiG-29K fleet. The rejection of its integration into the Rafale-M is likely more a matter of timing and operational urgency than a reflection on the radar’s technical capabilities.
In this context, the decision to prioritize the RBE2 radar on Rafale-M fighters provides the Navy with an off-the-shelf, high-performance radar system that can be delivered within a reasonable timeframe. Meanwhile, DRDO can focus on refining the 'Uttam' radar for future platforms, which could eventually see deployment on a wider scale across India’s defense forces.
This move by the DAC illustrates the fine balance India must strike between pushing for indigenous defense technologies and meeting its immediate military requirements. The Indian Navy, with its growing strategic responsibilities, requires quick solutions to maintain operational readiness, particularly as it looks to modernize its air capabilities in the face of regional threats.
