How India’s Uttam Radar Stronger Than Israeli EL/M-2052 Radar
India has taken a giant stride in defence self‐reliance with the development of its own Uttam AESA radar, which recent reports suggest is around 25% better than the proven Israeli EL/M-2052 used in early Tejas Mk1A jets. Built by DRDO’s LRDE in collaboration with BEL, the Uttam radar is being readied to equip later batches of the Tejas, and lays the groundwork for even more advanced radars in future aircraft. Here’s a clear, up-to-date picture of what this radar is, where it stands, and what it means.
What is the Uttam AESA Radar
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AESA stands for Active Electronically Scanned Array. Rather than moving parts, AESA uses many small transmit/receive modules (TRMs) to steer the beam electronically. This enables faster target detection, tracking multiple targets, air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, and greater resistance to interference or jamming.
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The Uttam radar is indigenously designed and manufactured by DRDO’s LRDE, with production support from BEL. Earlier versions used Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) components; a more powerful Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based variant is in the works.
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It was started around 2008, with more recent flight test efforts increasing in intensity. As of April 2024, Uttam had completed over 125 sorties aboard Tejas Mk1 prototypes.
Performance Highlights & Comparison
Here are some of the claimed or observed performance features of Uttam, especially compared with the EL/M-2052:
| Feature | Uttam AESA (India) | EL/M-2052 (Israel) & Others | Uttam’s Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRM (Transmit/Receive Module) count | Around 980 GaAs-based TRMs in the current Uttam Mk1 version. | ~900 in those EL/M-2052 radars fitted into early Mk1A Tejas. | More modules → potentially higher power, better resolution, better target discrimination. |
| Detection / Search Range | Claims of detecting a Tejas-sized fighter at ~140 km in trials; more generally >100 km for many modes. | EL/M-2052’s published ranges are typically somewhat lower (platform-dependent). | Uttam edges ahead in head-on detection in those trials. |
| Simultaneous Target Tracking | Over 100 targets tracked simultaneously in some evaluations; with ability to engage multiple active radar homing missiles simultaneously. | EL/M-2052 tracks up to ~64 targets in equivalent configurations. | Uttam gives better multitarget engagement potential. |
| Resistance to Jamming / Side Lobes | Uttam is reported to have ultra-low sidelobe antenna and good electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to resist jamming. | EL/M-2052 also has mature ECCM, but Uttam aims to surpass certain metrics. | Greater survivability and better performance in contested electromagnetic environments. |
What’s Next: GaN, More Jets, and Future Aircraft
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Uttam’s GaN-based version is expected to be rolled out for the second batch of 97 Tejas Mk1A jets (including trainers) post-2027. GaN modules bring advantages: higher power, greater efficiency, better heat handling, potentially longer range and better performance overall vs GaAs versions.
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After this, Uttam (or its upgraded variants) are likely to be used in Tejas MkII, and possibly in AMCA (India’s planned 5th-generation fighter) and in other platforms.
Why Israeli Radar is Still in Use
Even with its impressive results, the Uttam radar has not yet been installed on the first 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft. This is primarily due to the pressing need for timely deliveries to the Indian Air Force. Integrating a new radar system is not just about performance—it requires exhaustive certification, reliability checks, and fine-tuning for all operational conditions. To avoid delays, the Israeli radar was chosen for the early batches so that the IAF could induct the jets without waiting for Uttam’s full clearance.
This does not diminish Uttam’s achievements. On the contrary, it reflects a pragmatic strategy: deploy a proven foreign system for immediate readiness while continuing to test and perfect the indigenous radar for the next batches. Once Uttam completes its certification cycle, it will gradually replace imported systems, making India less dependent on outside suppliers for such critical technology.
What This Means for India
The emergence of Uttam as a credible, even superior, alternative to foreign radars carries immense significance. It is a strong expression of Atma-Nirbharta, reducing reliance on external partners for high-tech military hardware. It also demonstrates the growing expertise of Indian institutions like LRDE and BEL, which are mastering the complexities of advanced electronics, cooling systems, and electronic counter-countermeasures.
Strategically, Uttam offers India greater confidence in contested skies. In modern air combat, where electronic warfare and stealth play decisive roles, the ability to see farther, track more, and resist jamming provides a critical advantage. By developing such technology at home, India joins an exclusive club of nations capable of producing state-of-the-art AESA radars for fighters.
