Virupaksha: India’s 2,500 TRM GaN AESA Radar That Outclasses F-22 and F-35 Sensors
India’s ambitious fighter aircraft upgrade program is about to witness a game-changing development in the form of Virupaksha — an advanced, ultra-powerful AESA Multi-Mode Radar (MMR) designed specifically for the Super Sukhoi upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s frontline Su-30MKI fleet. This radar is an upscaled, enhanced version of DRDO’s Uttam Mk2 FCR, and based on technical specifications released so far, it’s set to become one of the most powerful fighter aircraft radars in the world.
What is Virupaksha?
Named after the ancient Indian deity meaning "all-seeing," Virupaksha is an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar that has been developed to give the Su-30MKI fleet a new lease of life, bringing them to 5th generation sensor capabilities. It is built on the proven design of DRDO’s Uttam radar but massively scaled up — with 2,500 GaN-based Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs), a feat no operational fighter aircraft radar in the world currently matches.
This places Virupaksha ahead of the world’s leading airborne radars like the AN/APG-77 on the F-22 Raptor and the AN/APG-81 on the F-35 Lightning II, both of which have between 1,600 to 1,900 GaAs-based TRMs.
Technical Highlights of Virupaksha
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | AESA Multi-Mode Radar |
| TRM Count | ~2,400 to 2,500 (GaN-based) |
| Antenna Diameter | ~950 mm |
| Antenna Type | Vivaldi (Tapered Slot) Ultra-Wideband |
| Detection Range (1m² RCS) | ~600 km |
| Detection Range (stealth target) | ~200 km |
| Target Tracking | 64-100 simultaneous tracks |
| Fire Control | Up to 6 BVR missiles simultaneously |
| Antenna Repositioner | ±90° azimuth, ±20° elevation (swashplate) |
| Electronic Warfare (EA) | Capable of active jamming and deception |
| ECCM Capability | Advanced LPI and ECM resistance |
The radar uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) amplifiers instead of older Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) technology, providing significantly higher power output, better heat handling, and greater bandwidth.
Its Vivaldi Tapered Slot Antennas enable Ultra-Wideband (UWB) operation, greatly improving detection of stealth targets and low-probability-of-intercept (LPI) operations. Combined with a swashplate repositioner, Virupaksha can scan a much wider volume of airspace than conventional fixed AESA arrays.
How It Outranks the Best: F-22 and F-35 Radars Compared
While the F-22’s AN/APG-77 and F-35’s AN/APG-81 AESA radars are widely considered world leaders, both use GaAs-based TRMs and have lower module counts than Virupaksha.
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F-22 APG-77: ~1,900 TRMs (GaAs), detection range ~200 km against fighter-sized targets
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F-35 APG-81: ~1,200-1,600 TRMs (GaAs), detection range ~150 km
By contrast:
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Virupaksha: ~2,500 TRMs (GaN), detection range up to 250+ km for standard targets, with advanced capability against stealth aircraft due to UWB operation.
In addition to raw detection range, Virupaksha's Electronic Attack (EA) functionality lets it jam enemy radars and communications, essentially giving Su-30MKIs a mini-AWACS role in combat formations.
Why This Matters
The induction of Virupaksha will fundamentally change the operational capability of the Su-30MKI, which forms the backbone of the Indian Air Force. The original N011M Bars radar, though powerful for its time, is now outdated in the face of stealth threats and modern BVR warfare. Virupaksha will:
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Extend BVR combat ranges
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Detect and track stealth fighters
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Improve situational awareness
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Provide Electronic Warfare (EW) support
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Integrate seamlessly with Astra Mk2/3 and future Indian air-to-air missiles
It will also reduce India's dependence on Russian-origin systems, a significant strategic step given global geopolitical dynamics.
The Bigger Picture
This radar program marks India’s entry into the elite club of nations producing advanced, GaN-based AESA radars for frontline fighter aircraft. The move aligns with India’s Make in India in Defence initiative and boosts indigenous R&D capability in high-end electronic warfare systems.
Virupaksha is not just an upgrade — it’s a strategic leap that positions India at the forefront of airborne radar technology. Its combination of high TRM count, GaN power, UWB capability, and integrated Electronic Attack makes it a truly formidable sensor suite, capable of taking on the best the world has to offer, including the F-22 and F-35.
Once fully operational, the Super Sukhois armed with Virupaksha and long-range Astra missiles will give the Indian Air Force a decisive edge in the air.
