India’s Tejas Mk2 to Surpass Rafale F5 with Early Adoption of Indigenous GaN AESA Radar by 2026
In a major milestone for India’s indigenous defence technology, the upcoming Tejas Mk2 fighter aircraft is set to feature an advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar by 2026 — years ahead of the French Dassault Rafale F5 variant, which isn’t expected to field a similar radar until 2033.
This development firmly positions India as an early leader in deploying next-generation sensor technology, reinforcing its Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative in defence manufacturing.
What Makes This New Radar Special?
The Uttam AESA radar, developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is already undergoing successful trials. The Mk2 version of this radar will feature 912 Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs) — the heart of the radar system that sends and collects radio signals to detect, track, and engage targets.
For comparison:
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The Thales RBE2 AESA radar currently on Rafale F3R and F4 variants has 838 TRMs and uses Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) technology.
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The planned Rafale F5 will adopt GaN-based AESA radar only around 2033.
GaN semiconductors represent a new generation in radar technology. Compared to GaAs, GaN allows:
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Higher power output
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Improved thermal management
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Greater electronic warfare resistance
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Extended detection ranges
According to DRDO and defence analysts:
The GaN-based Uttam radar is expected to detect fighter-sized targets over 200 km away and track multiple targets with higher precision than most current-generation systems.
Tejas Mk2
The Tejas Mk2 is an advanced 4.5-generation medium-weight multirole fighter with a larger airframe than the existing Tejas Mk1A. This allows integration of more powerful systems, including:
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The new GaN-based Uttam radar
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Indigenous long-range missiles like Astra Mk3 (range 350 km)
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Modern electronic warfare suites
Its first prototype rollout is expected by late 2025, with the maiden flight planned in 2026 — crucially, with the new radar integrated.
Meanwhile, starting from the 41st production unit, even the existing Tejas Mk1A fleet will begin receiving Uttam AESA radars, replacing the currently used Israeli ELM-2052 AESA radars.
Technical Highlights of the GaN-Based Uttam AESA Radar
| Feature | Tejas Mk2 (Uttam GaN AESA) | Rafale F3R/F4 (RBE2-AA) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Type | Gallium Nitride (GaN) | Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) |
| Number of T/R Modules | 912 | 838 |
| Detection Range (Fighter Target) | 200 km | ~120-130 km |
| Target Tracking | Multiple simultaneously | Multiple simultaneously |
| Jamming Resistance | Superior (due to GaN) | Good |
| Operational Year (With GaN) | 2026 | ~2033 (Rafale F5 planned) |
Why This Matters
While France is planning a broad upgrade with the Rafale F5 — including a GaN radar, new engines, and integration with unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) — India’s decision to operationalize GaN-based AESA radar by 2026 gives it a distinct sensor technology edge in the 2020s.
This also means the Indian Air Force (IAF) will possess fighters capable of longer-range detection and better resistance to electronic warfare threats, improving its air defence and offensive capabilities against both 4.5-gen and 5th-gen adversaries.
India’s move to field an indigenous GaN-based AESA radar in the Tejas Mk2 ahead of advanced European platforms like the Rafale F5 is a significant stride in modernising its air combat fleet and defence industry.
It underlines India’s capability not just to match, but in certain domains like radar technology — to lead globally. This technological leap, achieved within the country, is a powerful example of what India’s defence R&D ecosystem is capable of delivering under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
