India vs China Aerial Warfare: India vs China Aerial Warfare: India is taking a major step to boost its air defense capabilities as China continues to expand its surveillance and radar network. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth Rs 2,906 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to buy 18 ‘Ashwini’ Low-Level Transportable Radars (LLTRs) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
This deal is a great move toward self-reliance in defense technology, as these radars are designed and developed entirely in India by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This marks the first time the IAF will use indigenous radar systems of this kind, replacing older systems that were imported from other countries.
The Ashwini radars are advanced systems that can detect a wide range of aerial threats, from high-speed fighter jets to slow-moving drones and helicopters. They are transportable, meaning they can be moved to different locations as needed, making them highly flexible for India’s defense needs. This is especially important given the increasing threats from neighbouring countries.
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Why This Deal is Important for India
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who was present during the contract signing, emphasized the strategic importance of this deal. He said that this move is a big step toward reducing India’s dependence on foreign defense equipment. According to ET, a senior MoD official stated, “This acquisition will not only improve our operational readiness but also boost India’s defense industry by encouraging more indigenous production.”
The Ashwini radar project is part of India’s larger plan to strengthen its defense capabilities using homegrown technology. This is in line with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to make India a global hub for manufacturing, especially in defense.
China’s Growing Radar Network
While India is working on improving its defense systems, China has been rapidly expanding its radar capabilities. According to a report by the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI), the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed large phased-array radars (LPARs) across the country. One of these radars is in Yunnan province, near the Myanmar border. This radar has a range of over 5,000 km, which means it can monitor deep into Indian territory and even track missile tests.
China’s radar network is part of a broader strategy to create a highly advanced and interconnected air defense system. The CASI report states, “China’s air defense radars provide comprehensive detection capabilities at all heights and ranges. Their newest systems are among the most advanced in the world.”
How will it affect India?
The deployment of these advanced radars by China poses a serious challenge for India. The Yunnan-based radar, for example, can observe missile launches in real-time. This gives China a significant intelligence advantage, as it can analyze the speed, trajectory, and patterns of Indian missiles. This is particularly concerning for India’s strategic weapons testing at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, where India tests its intercontinental ballistic missiles like the Agni-V.
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In addition to missile tracking, China’s radar network also enhances its surveillance over key maritime zones, such as the Bay of Bengal and the Malacca Strait. These areas are crucial for India’s naval operations and trade routes. With existing radar stations in Korla and Xinjiang already monitoring northern India, the new radar in Yunnan further extends China’s ability to watch over Indian territory.
India’s Response
To counter China’s growing surveillance capabilities, India is taking several steps. The Indian Air Force is planning to deploy specialized mountain radars along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the 3,488-km border between India and China. These radars will be able to peer deep into Chinese territory and provide early warnings of any threats. This is especially important since China has significantly upgraded its air bases and air defense networks along the LAC after the 2020 Ladakh standoff.
The Indian Navy is also focusing on developing indigenous technology to strengthen its defense capabilities. Recently, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, visited BEL’s facilities to review advanced defense systems. These include projects related to Medium and Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM/LRSAM). His visit highlights the Navy’s commitment to using Indian-made technology to enhance its operational capabilities.
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China’s LPAR System
China’s LPAR system is often compared to the US PAVE PAWS (Precision Acquisition Vehicle Entry Phased Array Warning System), a radar system developed during the Cold War to detect long-range missiles. While exact details about China’s radar are not publicly available, experts believe it has capabilities that are comparable to, if not better than, the US system. China has been investing in radar technology since the 1970s and has made significant advancements in recent years.
The CASI report highlights that China is now working on next-generation radar technologies, such as cognitive radar, quantum radar, and AI-driven detection systems. These technologies aim to improve stealth detection, speed up threat identification, and enhance resistance to electronic warfare. The report states, “China can network different types of air defense radars into a single system. They can likely combine data from radars across the country into a centralized network for better surveillance.”
