Hyderabad's UTS Develops Cutting-Edge AESA Radar to Detect and Track 100 Drones Simultaneously

In today’s rapidly evolving world, drones have become integral to both civilian and military operations, ranging from delivery services to intelligence gathering and covert attacks. However, as drones become more advanced, the need for technologies capable of detecting and neutralizing them has grown critical. Unistring Tech Solutions (UTS), a Hyderabad-based defense R&D company, has stepped up to meet this challenge with its revolutionary AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar system, a breakthrough in drone detection technology.

UTS's AESA radar is not your typical detection system. It has the capability to track up to 100 drones at the same time, providing a robust solution for dealing with the rising threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system’s multi-target tracking capability is essential for situations involving drone swarms, a growing concern for military and security forces worldwide. This radar has been developed by UTS, a company founded by seasoned scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), K Srinivasa Raju and Nagendra Babu Samineni.

The AESA radar system is not only designed to detect drones but also includes advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to ensure it functions reliably even in environments where jamming and electronic warfare tactics are employed. This makes it an ideal tool for the military, especially in scenarios where adversaries attempt to disrupt radar systems.

One of the radar’s standout features is its AI-based classification algorithms, which help to minimize false alarms. Unlike traditional radar systems that might struggle to differentiate between drones and other objects, such as birds, UTS’s AESA radar can accurately identify UAVs, making it much more effective in real-world applications. Given that most older radar systems were designed to track larger aircraft, this kind of precision marks a significant leap forward in counter-drone technology.

UTS’s commitment to developing indigenous defense technologies aligns with India's push for self-reliance in its defense sector. The company has already played a significant role in providing subsystems for India's anti-drone systems, which are increasingly being purchased by the government. UTS’s Managing Director, Nagendra Babu Samineni, highlights the company's vision of reducing India's reliance on imported defense technology. The firm recently secured a contract worth ₹43.42 crore for the supply of advanced electronic warfare (EW) equipment, further cementing its place in the Indian defense landscape.

The AESA radar’s capabilities have made it highly attractive, not only to India but also for potential export to friendly nations. UTS is eyeing the global market for its counter-drone technology, although any exports will be subject to government regulations and approvals.

Beyond the immediate successes of the AESA radar, UTS has positioned itself for long-term growth. The company projects a turnover exceeding ₹250 crore for the current financial year, driven by its cutting-edge technologies in electronic warfare, radar systems, and communications.

Recently, UTS was recognized for its innovations at the 49th ELCINA awards, winning in the small and medium enterprises category. This prestigious recognition reflects the company’s ongoing contribution to India's defense capabilities and its mission of advancing self-reliance in critical technologies.

The AESA radar, which was developed through the IDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) initiative, is expected to be delivered within six to eight months. Its potential for mass production and large-scale procurement underscores the government’s growing reliance on indigenous solutions for national security.

For Unistring Tech Solutions, the journey has only just begun. With its sights set on future innovations and the expansion of its technological footprint, UTS is rapidly becoming a key player in both national and international defense markets. As drone threats evolve, UTS’s AESA radar stands as a formidable tool to keep skies safe, making it clear that this Hyderabad-based company is ready to meet the challenges of modern warfare.

The sky, it seems, is not the limit for UTS—it's just the beginning.