India’s defence forces today face modern challenges that demand equally modern solutions. With adversaries investing heavily in stealth technology, hypersonic missiles, and low-observable drones, traditional radar systems are no longer sufficient. In this context, DRDO’s multistatic radar system represents a bold and innovative response — a system designed and developed indigenously to give India a technological edge.
Recently, the Indian Air Force stunned the world by locking and tracking an American F-35 — the most advanced stealth jet — over Indian airspace. This unexpected feat left even NATO allies surprised, raising questions: did DRDO’s multistatic radar or its new photonic radar help achieve this breakthrough?
Let me walk you through what makes this system special, how it compares with global radar technologies, and how it could transform India’s air defence landscape — knowledge that every defence enthusiast should know today.
What Is DRDO’s Multistatic Radar System and How Does It Work?
At its core, a multistatic radar system is not a single radar station but a distributed network of radar nodes. The system uses separate transmitter and receiver stations placed at different locations, all linked together to spot threats that would normally slip past standard radar setups. Unlike monostatic radar, where the transmitter and receiver sit at the same location, multistatic radar captures scattered signals from multiple angles, making it highly effective against stealth platforms.
DRDO is also developing photonic radar technology, which could one day work alongside multistatic radar to further improve the detection of stealth and hypersonic threats.
The Power of Distributed Detection Nodes
Imagine a stealth fighter entering Indian airspace. Its design tries to deflect radar signals away from traditional monostatic radars. However, with a multistatic radar system, scattered signals are picked up by separate receiver nodes positioned at various points. These receivers collect the scattered echoes and send the data to a central processing hub.
Advanced Signal Fusion for Tracking Hidden Targets
This is where I see the true strength of the system. The collected data from different nodes is combined using advanced algorithms. Machine learning and artificial intelligence help process this information to create an accurate 3D image of the target’s position, velocity, and movement pattern. The system turns what would have been invisible into something trackable.
Why Multistatic Radar System Matters for India’s Defence in 2025
If we look at our security environment, India faces unique challenges. We have vast borders, long coastlines, and airspace that must be constantly monitored against threats like stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. DRDO’s multistatic radar system provides a way to strengthen our surveillance network without relying on foreign technology. For me, this system is not just a technological upgrade; it reflects India’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and self-reliant defence.
The Stealth Threat to Indian Airspace
Stealth aircraft, hypersonic missiles, and low-RCS drones can no longer rely on their reduced radar signatures to cross undetected. DRDO’s multistatic radar system significantly boosts India’s ability to identify and track these threats.
Building Self-Reliance with Indigenous Radar Technology
This radar system represents India’s ability to innovate and build advanced technology in-house, reducing dependence on foreign systems. What excites me most is that this radar could inspire further breakthroughs in areas like electronic warfare and space-based surveillance.
DRDO’s Multistatic vs Monostatic Radar: Key Differences That Matter
| Feature | Monostatic Radar | Multistatic Radar System |
|---|---|---|
| Transmitter-receiver position | Same location | Geographically distributed |
| Stealth detection | Limited | Strong |
| Resistance to jamming | Low | High |
| Area coverage | Restricted | Extensive |
| Redundancy | Minimal | High |
| False alarm rate | Moderate | Low |
Why Multistatic Wins Against Stealth
By capturing scattered signals from multiple directions, the system effectively neutralises stealth design advantages. Even low-RCS platforms can no longer fly undetected.
A Simple Comparison Table
The table above summarises how multistatic radar provides clear operational advantages over monostatic radar in modern combat scenarios.
How the DRDO’s Multistatic Radar System Helps Beyond Air Defence
Maritime and Border Surveillance
Given India’s long coastline and challenging border regions, this system is ideal for monitoring vessels, submarines, and suspicious activities across diverse terrains.
Its wide-area coverage means even small or low-signature objects trying to sneak past defences can be spotted early, helping prevent intrusions by sea or land.
Hypersonic and Missile Test Tracking
The radar system offers precise tracking of hypersonic weapons and supports missile test programmes with accurate range data.
Its ability to track fast-moving, high-altitude targets helps improve interception strategies and ensures India’s missile tests are measured with pinpoint accuracy.
Real-World Example: DRDO’s Multistatic Radar in Action
Picture this: A hostile stealth fighter attempts to breach Indian airspace near our northeastern border. The enemy hopes to avoid detection using radar-absorbing material and clever design. But India’s multistatic radar network, developed by DRDO, can pick up those scattered signals. Within seconds, data fusion at the command centre identifies the intruder. Indian Air Force fighters are scrambled, and ground-based air defence systems are alerted. This level of rapid response could be the difference between safety and disaster.
In my view, scenarios like this highlight the need to fast-track integration of this radar system with India’s satellite and space-based surveillance networks to build a truly layered aerospace defence grid.
Current Status: Deployment Plans and Roadmap for 2025
According to recent updates, DRDO’s multistatic radar system is undergoing advanced trials in selected areas, including the northeast and coastal sectors. The integration of this system with existing platforms such as S-400, Akash, and VHF radars is progressing steadily. The plan is to roll out the system in phases over the coming years, ensuring a robust layered air defence shield.
Challenges of Deploying Multistatic Radar — And How India Can Overcome Them
Technical Complexity of Multistatic Radar Deployment
- It’s tricky to get all the radar stations to work together perfectly at the same time. India needs strong, fast connections so nothing goes out of sync.
- This means setting up reliable infrastructure across difficult terrain, from mountains to coastal regions, to ensure full system coverage.
- Careful testing and phased rollout will help reduce technical glitches and ensure smooth nationwide integration.
Cost of Building a Multistatic Radar Network in India
- Setting up this radar system across the country will cost a lot, but it’s worth it because it helps protect India’s skies in the long run.
- The focus should be on phased deployment, starting with high-threat zones, so costs can be spread and managed wisely.
- In the long term, investing in this indigenous system will save foreign exchange and build local expertise.
Managing Data in a Multistatic Radar System
- The radar system will create loads of data that must be handled quickly and safely. India will need smart computers to make sense of it all on time.
- Developing AI-powered tools will help analyse this data faster, reduce errors, and support quicker decision-making in critical situations.
- Secure cloud-based solutions and encrypted networks will also be vital to prevent data breaches or delays.
Why DRDO’s Multistatic Radar System Is Key to India’s Future Security
In my view, DRDO’s multistatic radar system stands for more than a defence breakthrough; it’s a symbol of India’s growing confidence in creating homegrown solutions for complex security challenges.
It represents India’s resolve to create solutions tailored to our needs, reducing reliance on external suppliers and enhancing national security. This achievement is a proud addition to our journey towards true self-reliance.
What inspires me most is how this technology shows India isn’t just catching up globally — we’re capable of setting new benchmarks. Could this be the radar system that finally levels the playing field against stealth technology? Only time — and decisive deployment — will tell.