New Delhi: HAL Uttam AESA Radar has received a major boost as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has awarded a ₹2,205.23 crore contract to Astra Microwave Products Limited. The order covers radar subsystems for the upcoming fleet of 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. The deal is a significant step towards increasing the use of indigenous defence technology and reducing dependence on imported radar systems.
Details of HAL Uttam AESA Radar Order
According to the company’s stock exchange disclosure, HAL has placed an order worth ₹2,205.23 crore (including taxes) with Astra Microwave Products Limited. The contract includes the supply of 122 Active Antenna Array Units (AAAUs) and 121 Interface Frames for the indigenous Uttam AESA Radar programme. The deliveries are expected to continue over the next five years and conclude during the FY2031 financial year.
What Is the Uttam AESA Radar
The Uttam AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) Radar has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE).
It is an advanced X-band fire-control radar designed for modern fighter aircraft. Compared with conventional mechanically scanned radars, an AESA radar can track multiple targets simultaneously, offer better reliability, improve resistance to electronic jamming, and provide faster target detection.
Why HAL Uttam AESA Radar Order Is Important
The new order supports the integration of India’s indigenous radar technology into the 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters ordered under the second production batch. The contract is also one of the largest ever received by Astra Microwave. The company stated that the order is nearly double its previous year’s revenue and exceeds its standalone order book reported at the end of FY2026, making it a transformational project for the company.
Tejas Mk1A Fleet to Receive Indigenous Radar
The Indian Air Force has ordered the Tejas Mk1A in two phases. The first 83 aircraft will largely continue using the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar, while the subsequent fleet of 97 aircraft is planned to receive the indigenous Uttam AESA Radar, subject to the planned production and integration schedule.
What are the Features of the Uttam AESA Radar
Some important capabilities of the Uttam AESA Radar include:
- Indigenous X-band AESA fire-control radar.
- Built with around 900+ transmit/receive modules.
- Capable of detecting fighter-sized targets at distances of about 150 km under suitable conditions.
- Supports simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.
- Designed with advanced liquid cooling for improved performance and reliability.
HAL Uttam AESA Radar Order: Boost for India’s Defence Manufacturing
The contract strengthens India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by expanding domestic production of advanced military electronics. It also establishes Astra Microwave as a key supplier of complete radar subsystems rather than only individual defence components, supporting India’s long-term goal of building indigenous combat aircraft technologies.
Read also: Explained: How HAL Dual-Rail ASRAAM Launcher Makes Tejas Mk1A More Powerful
