India’s push for self-reliance in defence has entered a decisive stage. The confirmation of the Uttam AESA radar for Tejas Mk1A marks a breakthrough in Indian airpower. For years, frontline fighters relied on imported radars, often leaving India dependent on foreign suppliers.
That reliance is now ending. Developed by DRDO’s LRDE in partnership with HAL and BEL, the Indigenous Uttam AESA radar for Tejas Mk1A proves India can design world-class avionics, blending technology with confidence, pride, and a vision for the future.
Tejas Mk1A with Uttam Radar: What Has Changed?
The shift from imported to indigenous technology marks a turning point. The first batches of Tejas Mk1A were fitted with the Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA radar to meet delivery deadlines. But from the 41st Tejas Mk1A onward, HAL has confirmed the integration of the Indigenous Uttam AESA radar for Tejas Mk1A, developed by DRDO’s LRDE in collaboration with HAL and BEL.
This decision reflects growing confidence in India’s homegrown systems. HAL leadership has confirmed that the Uttam radar is now fully ready for operational service.
GaN-Based Uttam AESA Radar for Tejas Mk1A: Features and Capabilities
The GaN-based Uttam AESA radar for Tejas Mk1A brings cutting-edge capabilities:
- Technology: Solid-state Gallium Nitride (GaN) based AESA
- Modules: About 912 Transmit-Receive (T/R) modules
- Modes Supported: Air-to-air, air-to-ground, and maritime strike roles
- Target Tracking: Simultaneous multi-target tracking even in high-clutter conditions
- Electronic Warfare: Strong resistance to jamming and electronic countermeasures
- Range: Roughly 150 km against fighter-sized targets
- Indigenous Content: Over 95% made in India
This marks the most significant radar upgrade for the Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk1A fleet so far
Uttam AESA Radar Performance in Air-to-Air Combat
The Uttam AESA radar performance in air-to-air combat has been a major focus during trials. It can detect and lock multiple aircraft, guide beyond-visual-range missiles like Astra and Meteor, and maintain tracking under electronic attack. This ensures Tejas Mk1A is not only a multi-role jet but also a capable air superiority fighter.
Why Not All 97 Jets Get Uttam Immediately?
Many ask: “If Uttam is ready, why is it not fitted on all 97 jets?”
The reason is certification delays of the Uttam AESA radar and its electronic warfare suite. India’s Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) required more time for approvals. To avoid delaying deliveries, HAL installed the EL/M-2052 radar on the first 40 Tejas Mk1A jets.
From the 41st aircraft onward, the Indigenous Uttam AESA radar will become the standard fit. This sets the official Tejas Mk1A Uttam radar induction timeline.
Uttam AESA Radar vs EL/M-2052 Israeli Radar
| Feature | Uttam AESA Radar | EL/M-2052 AESA Radar |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | India (DRDO-LRDE) | Israel (ELTA Systems) |
| Technology | GaN-based modules | GaAs-based modules |
| Indigenous Content | ~95% | Fully imported |
| Range | ~150 km (fighter target) | Slightly higher in some modes |
| Flexibility | Designed for Indian fighters, scalable to Mk2 & AMCA | Proven export radar, less customisable |
| Cost | Lower (local production) | Higher (imported) |
This comparison shows that Uttam is not just a substitute but a strategic leap in India’s radar indigenisation efforts.
Tejas Mk1A Upgrades in 2025 with Uttam Radar
With the Uttam radar, the 2025 Tejas Mk1A upgrades transform the jet into a far more capable platform:
- Dual-pylon ASRAAM carriage (June 2025)
- HAL Nashik production line clearance (August 2025)
- Meteor missile integration with Uttam AESA radar (September 2025)
- Full GaN radar certification by CEMILAC
These steps reinforce the HAL Tejas Mk1A upgrade programme and ensure India stays on track with the Tejas Mk1A delivery schedule in 2025.
HAL’s Strategy: Balancing Deadlines and Indigenisation
The first batch was equipped with the Israeli EL/M-2052 radar. This was a practical step to avoid delivery delays, not a rejection of Uttam.
Now that certification is complete, HAL has shifted fully to indigenous production.
This move strengthens India’s Make in India fighter jet radar upgrade and reduces long-term reliance on foreign systems.
Future Platforms: Beyond Tejas Mk1A
The DRDO LRDE Uttam AESA radar development goes beyond Tejas Mk1A, with scaled versions planned for future aircraft:
- Tejas Mk2 – with a larger antenna and longer range
- AMCA stealth fighter – India’s 5th-generation project
- Su-30MKI upgrades – possible retrofitting with an Uttam-based radar
This ensures an indigenous radar ecosystem across India’s future fighter fleet.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Q1. What is the range of the Uttam AESA radar on Tejas Mk1A?
About 150 km against fighter-sized targets.
Q2. Which radar is used in Tejas Mk1A — Uttam or Israeli EL/M-2052?
The first 40 jets carry EL/M-2052, while later jets will use Uttam.
Q3. Why is Uttam AESA radar delayed for Tejas Mk1A?
Certification delays slowed the rollout.
Q4. How many Tejas Mk1A jets will get Uttam AESA radar?
57 of the 97 will have Uttam, while 40 use EL/M-2052.
Q5. Is Uttam AESA radar better than imported AESA radars?
Yes, especially in cost, indigenisation, and adaptability.
Q6. When will the Uttam AESA radar be operational on Tejas Mk1A?
From the 41st aircraft delivered onward.
Q7. What percentage of the Uttam radar is indigenous?
Over 95% is locally developed.
Q8. Will the Uttam AESA radar be used in Tejas Mk2 and AMCA?
Yes, advanced versions are planned for both.
My Perspective: Why This Matters
The Indigenous Uttam AESA radar for Tejas Mk1A is more than a technical upgrade.
It symbolises independence, strengthens India’s export potential, and ensures long-term strategic autonomy.
For the Indian Air Force, Uttam brings flexibility and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.
From my perspective, Uttam proves that Indian technology is no longer catching up.
Conclusion
The confirmation of the Uttam AESA radar for Tejas Mk1A marks a milestone in India’s aerospace journey.
With its GaN-based modules, high indigenous content, and scalability, Uttam is set to power not only the Tejas Mk1A but also future platforms like Tejas Mk2, AMCA, and even Su-30MKI upgrades.
This is more than just a fighter jet upgrade.
It is a living example of Made in India technology, carrying the pride and promise of Indian defence innovation into every mission of the IAF.