Astra Microwave AMCA Radar Project: Astra Microwave Products Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder, or L1, for developing Active Antenna Array Units (AAAUs) for four radar prototypes planned for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The work is important because the AAAU is a key part of the AESA radar that is expected to be used on India’s future fifth-generation fighter.
The AMCA is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) with support from DRDO and Indian industry. The aircraft is planned as a stealth fighter with advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, modern weapons and network-based combat features. DRDO has said that a larger and more powerful version of the Uttam AESA radar is being developed for platforms including the AMCA.
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Why the AAAU is important for AMCA
The AAAU is one of the most important parts of an AESA radar. It contains transmit-receive modules that help the radar send and receive signals and change the direction of its beam electronically without moving the whole radar.
This allows the aircraft to find and track several targets quickly. It can also help the radar work better in areas where the enemy is using electronic jamming. For a stealth fighter like AMCA, the radar is often described as its “eyes and ears”.
Astra’s reported L1 position is also important because the company already has experience with Indian radar programmes. It is involved in the Uttam radar ecosystem and has recently received a Rs 2,205.23 crore HAL order for 122 AAAUs and 121 interface frames for the Uttam radar. The order has an execution period of five years.
BEL is L2 as AMCA radar work moves ahead
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has reportedly emerged as the second bidder, or L2. BEL has long experience in defence electronics, radar production and system integration. The L1 position does not itself mean the final contract has been awarded. The procurement and selection process still has to move through the required stages.
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The AMCA radar programme is being led by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE). The radar will need to meet demanding requirements such as long-range detection, resistance to electronic attack and the ability to track and engage multiple targets. Work on AESA radar technology for AMCA has been underway for years, with LRDE developing more advanced versions based on its earlier radar work.
The radar units for the four prototypes will still need testing, qualification and aircraft integration before the system can move towards larger-scale production. Astra has also said that Uttam radar AAAUs have completed qualification work, showing the company’s growing role in India’s airborne radar manufacturing.
