New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has awarded a ₹640 crore contract to Gurugram-based Lotus Advanced Technologies for the supply and integration of advanced AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) maritime patrol radars onto the Indian Navy’s Dornier Do-228 maritime surveillance aircraft. The contract underscores India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing while enhancing maritime domain awareness across the nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Strategic Partnership and Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The contract highlights Lotus Advanced Technologies’ growing presence in the aerospace and defence sector, backed by strategic collaborations with Israel’s IAI-Elta Systems Ltd. Founded in 2005, Lotus has established itself as a supplier of advanced defence and aerospace systems, operating state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Uttar Pradesh and holding certifications from HAL, the Defence Quality Assurance Authority (DGAQA), and AS 9100 Rev D aerospace quality standard.
The partnership represents a significant step in India-Israel defence cooperation, particularly in integrating advanced radar technologies onto domestic defence platforms.
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C-Catcher ELM-2025 Radar: Features and Capabilities
Under the contract, Lotus will manufacture and integrate the C-Catcher ELM-2025 maritime patrol radar system, developed by IAI-Elta Systems, onto the Dornier Do-228 aircraft. The radar incorporates cutting-edge AESA technology, Gallium Nitride (GaN) solid-state components, electronic scanning, advanced signal processing, and software-defined architecture. Operating in the X-band frequency spectrum, the radar provides all-weather, all-visibility performance, effectively penetrating rain, fog, clouds, and other environmental obstructions.
Key operational capabilities include:
- 360-degree detection radius up to 200 nautical miles
- Simultaneous detection, tracking, and classification of multiple targets
- Maritime surveillance including detection of small vessels, anti-submarine warfare modes, and SART detection for humanitarian operations
- Ground surveillance via Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI)
- Air-to-air surveillance with Track-While-Scan, ADS-B, and IFF integration
- Seamless multi-domain surveillance across maritime, ground, and air operations
The radar-equipped Dornier aircraft will significantly enhance the Indian Navy and Coast Guard’s situational awareness, especially across India’s 2.3 million square kilometre EEZ. The system will help monitor illegal fishing, smuggling, piracy, and other security challenges.
Dornier Do-228: A Proven Surveillance Platform
The Dornier Do-228 is a lightweight, twin-engine turboprop aircraft, manufactured by HAL under licence from Switzerland’s RUAG Aerospace. The aircraft has served as a workhorse for India’s maritime surveillance for decades, operating in multiple roles including coastal monitoring, search and rescue, and environmental observation. The integration of the C-Catcher AESA radar will elevate its operational relevance, ensuring the aircraft remains a versatile and technologically advanced platform.
Enhancing India’s Maritime Security
With ongoing geopolitical challenges and the government’s commitment to defence modernization, this contract comes at a crucial time. The upgraded Dornier aircraft will allow persistent surveillance across strategic maritime zones, improving India’s ability to safeguard its maritime resources, trade routes, and national security.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is a Maharatna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, India. HAL designs, manufactures, and maintains aircraft, helicopters, and aerospace systems for the Indian armed forces and exports to friendly nations. As a key player in India’s defence ecosystem, HAL continues to drive indigenous manufacturing and technological innovation in aerospace and defence sectors.
