New Delhi: DRDO photonic radar is moving closer to real military use. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed India’s first indigenous photonic radar and is preparing it for multi-platform testing. Defence experts say this new radar can detect targets more accurately, resist electronic jamming, and improve stealth detection. While quantum radar is still under research worldwide, photonic radar is becoming a practical technology for modern combat aircraft.
Details of DRDO Photonic Radar
India has achieved another important milestone in defence technology. According to defence sources, DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) in Bengaluru has successfully developed an indigenous photonic radar.
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The radar has now entered the testing phase. Initial trials will begin on ground platforms before moving to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), naval systems, and later fighter aircraft.
If the trials are successful, the radar could eventually be integrated into aircraft such as the Tejas Mk1A, Rafale, and Su-30MKI.
What Is a Photonic Radar
A photonic radar is a new type of radar that uses light (photons) instead of relying only on traditional radio-frequency electronics. Instead of processing signals only through electronic circuits, it uses:
- Lasers
- Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)
- Optical signal processors
This allows the radar to generate cleaner signals with much less noise. The result is higher accuracy and better target detection.
How Is Photonic Radar Different from AESA Radar
Most modern fighter aircraft use Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. AESA radar uses radio-frequency electronics to generate and process signals. Photonic radar improves this system by using optical technology.
This provides:
- Wider bandwidth
- Better image quality
- Higher accuracy
- Lower electromagnetic interference
- Stronger resistance to electronic warfare
Why Is DRDO Photonic Radar Important
The new radar offers several major advantages.
Better Target Detection
The wider bandwidth helps the radar detect aircraft, missiles and drones more accurately. It can also identify very small objects at longer distances.
High Resolution
Reports suggest the radar can achieve a resolution of around 1.3 centimetres. This allows it to distinguish between closely flying targets and even detect rotating drone blades.
Better Protection Against Electronic Jamming
Modern wars involve heavy electronic attacks. Photonic radar naturally performs better against electronic jamming because much of the signal processing happens using light instead of conventional electronic circuits. This makes the radar more reliable during combat.
Improved Stealth Aircraft Detection
Stealth aircraft reduce their radar signature but cannot become completely invisible. The higher bandwidth and cleaner signals of photonic radar improve the chances of detecting low-observable aircraft compared to conventional radar systems.
Which Platforms Will Test the Radar
According to defence reports, DRDO will carry out testing in multiple stages. The testing roadmap includes:
- Ground-based systems
- UAVs (drones)
- Naval platforms
- Fighter aircraft
If development continues successfully, the radar may later be installed on advanced Indian military aircraft.
Why Is Quantum Radar Still Not Ready?
Quantum radar often makes headlines because of its future potential. However, scientists say it is still far from battlefield deployment. Quantum radar requires:
- Extremely sensitive detectors
- Cryogenic cooling near absolute zero
- Stable quantum states
- Complex quantum signal processing
These requirements make it very difficult to build a practical airborne radar. For now, most quantum radar research remains inside laboratories.
Why Is Photonic Radar More Practical
Unlike quantum radar, photonic radar is based on technologies that already exist. It can work with today’s radar systems and does not require a complete redesign of fighter aircraft. That is why many defence experts believe photonic radar will become operational much sooner than quantum radar.
DRDO’s Growing Radar Capabilities
The Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) has already developed several important radar systems for Indian armed forces. These include:
- Ashwini Radar
- Rohini Radar
- Bharani Radar
- Swathi Weapon Locating Radar
- INDRA Radar
The indigenous photonic radar is another major step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in advanced defence technology.
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