UTTAM Radar Demonstrates 140km Detection Against Tejas Mk-1, Capable of Tracking Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 at 180km

India’s indigenous UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar has showcased its impressive detection capabilities by successfully tracking a Tejas Mk-1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) at a range of 140 kilometers. This milestone, achieved during tests at Aero India 2025, highlights a significant leap in India’s radar technology, strengthening the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ability to detect and engage airborne threats.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the UTTAM radar is a state-of-the-art AESA system designed to enhance the combat effectiveness of India’s fighter fleet. Its successful tracking of the Tejas Mk-1, an aircraft with a relatively small Radar Cross Section (RCS) of just over 1 square meter, underscores its ability to detect even difficult-to-track targets.

Enhanced Detection Capabilities Against Pakistani Fighter Jets

The radar’s performance against the Tejas Mk-1 suggests even greater capabilities when tracking larger enemy aircraft, such as the Pakistani F-16 and JF-17. The F-16, a widely used fourth-generation fighter in the Pakistan Air Force, has an estimated RCS of 1.0 to 1.5 square meters. Given that the UTTAM radar could track the Tejas Mk-1 at 140 km, experts estimate that it could detect an F-16 at a distance of 180 to 200 km.

Similarly, the JF-17, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, has a comparable RCS and modest stealth features. Based on current performance data, it is projected that the UTTAM radar could detect the JF-17 at ranges between 160 and 180 km, providing the IAF with an early warning capability against adversary aircraft.

Technical Superiority and Future Integration

The UTTAM radar is equipped with approximately 900 Transmitter-Receiver (TR) modules, providing enhanced tracking accuracy and resilience against jamming. Its integration into platforms like the Tejas Mk-1A is expected to significantly boost the aircraft’s situational awareness and targeting precision, making Indian fighter jets far more effective in contested airspace.

With its cutting-edge capabilities, the UTTAM AESA radar represents a major advancement in India’s indigenous defense technology, ensuring the IAF maintains a decisive edge in air combat scenarios.