For decades, stealth jets have ruled the skies, slipping past radar networks undetected. That era may soon end. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has entered a new frontier with the indigenous photonic and quantum radar programme, designed to detect even the most elusive stealth aircraft with unmatched precision.
This development marks a turning point in Indian defence technology. It combines light, quantum physics, and artificial intelligence to give the Indian Armed Forces a radar advantage once thought impossible.
The Vision Behind India’s Radar Revolution
In a quiet DRDO laboratory in Bengaluru, scientists at the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) are working on what could redefine modern warfare.
Traditional radars that rely on radio frequencies struggle to detect stealth aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II or China’s J-20. These jets absorb or deflect radar signals, leaving almost no trace.
The indigenous photonic and quantum radar programme changes that by using light-based systems instead of electrical signals. Light travels faster, resists jamming, and delivers ultra-high-resolution imaging.
DRDO recently showcased remarkable progress under the same initiative. Check out DRDO Unveils India’s Indigenous Photonic Radar 2025 for the full story.
What Makes Photonic Radar So Unique
Photonic radar represents a complete shift in how radars sense their surroundings.
Key Advantages
- Light-based precision: Laser-generated signals provide timing accuracy at the picosecond level.
- Sharper imaging: It captures targets in high definition, even at long range.
- Anti-jamming capability: Optical systems are naturally resistant to electromagnetic interference.
- Compact design: Miniaturised photonic circuits allow radar units to be mounted on drones, aircraft, and naval platforms.
In simple terms, this radar can detect stealth aircraft that conventional systems miss. The photonic radar working principle relies on optical signals to generate microwaves, producing clarity beyond traditional radar.
To understand how India plans to integrate radar networks with missile shields, explore Mission Sudarshan Chakra – India’s Iron Dome Plan.
Enter the Quantum Era of Indian Defence
Alongside photonics, DRDO is developing quantum radar, which uses quantum entanglement to detect objects even when they try to absorb or scatter incoming signals.
This radar could track aircraft by their unique electromagnetic fingerprints. For the Indian Air Force, it means a decisive advantage against low-observable targets, hypersonic weapons, and drone swarms.
The indigenous photonic and quantum radar programme combines the accuracy of light with the depth of quantum physics, giving India a platform for unmatched situational awareness.
For a deeper look at DRDO’s radar advancements, read DRDO’s Multistatic Radar System: India’s Stealth Shield, a key complement to the photonic radar programme.
Progress and Trials: A Milestone for DRDO
According to defence sources, DRDO has already completed the site acceptance test for India’s first photonic radar prototype. Field trials are expected to begin by late 2025 in partnership with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
The radar is designed to operate across India’s diverse landscapes, ranging from coastal regions to high-altitude borders. Its modular design allows easy integration into mobile, naval, and airborne systems.
This milestone brings India closer to achieving full Atmanirbhar Bharat defence innovation, thereby reducing its dependence on imported radar technologies.
Why This Breakthrough Matters
India’s radar evolution has been impressive, from the early Rajendra phased-array radar to the Uttam AESA radar now fitted on Tejas Mk1A fighters.
However, stealth aircraft posed a challenge that conventional systems could not overcome. The indigenous photonic and quantum radar programme directly bridges this technological gap.
Strategic Benefits
- Detects stealth jets such as the F-35 and J-20.
- Tracks drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons.
- Strengthens air defence through the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
- Boosts indigenous capability and defence exports.
In modern warfare, detection means dominance. This innovation ensures India can safeguard its airspace with total confidence.
The Science in Simple Terms
Here is how photonic radar operates:
- A laser emits a highly stable light signal.
- The signal is modulated to create microwave frequencies.
- These waves are transmitted and reflected from targets.
- The returning light is received and analysed to calculate distance, speed, and object type.
Because the signal is light-based, it experiences minimal distortion even when the target uses stealth coatings.
This method offers unmatched resolution, allowing operators to distinguish between a bird, a drone, and a fighter jet in real time.
Global Context and Competition
Around the world, major powers are investing in similar technologies. The United States, China, and several European nations are pushing research on quantum photonic radar to enhance stealth detection.
India’s advancement positions DRDO and LRDE among the few global players mastering both photonic and quantum radar technologies. It also opens opportunities for international collaboration and technology exports.
By combining indigenous defence technology with academic partnerships, India is helping shape the next generation of global radar systems.
Geopolitical Significance
This breakthrough arrives at a critical time in Asia’s security landscape. The skies are crowded with next-generation fighters, surveillance aircraft, and unmanned drones. Neighbouring nations are developing advanced stealth capabilities, raising regional tensions.
India’s success with anti-stealth radar strengthens deterrence and ensures transparency across sensitive air corridors. It also enhances India’s diplomatic leverage in defence cooperation and regional security dialogues.
In an era defined by rapid militarisation, indigenous technological achievements add both strategic depth and global credibility.
Expert Perspective and National Pride
As a defence enthusiast, I see this radar as a major milestone in India’s scientific journey. Stealth was long believed to be unbeatable, but the indigenous photonic and quantum radar programme proves that innovation can overcome any challenge.
This progress reflects India’s growing confidence in self-reliant research and development. Once operational, this system will not only protect India’s skies but also demonstrate that Indian innovation can stand alongside the world’s best.
Conclusion: Seeing the Invisible
From radio waves to light, from electronics to quantum theory, radar technology has entered a new dimension. India, once dependent on foreign systems, is now creating the future of detection.
The DRDO LRDE radar project shows that determination, skill, and vision can change the direction of defence technology.
The coming years will reveal how soon these systems become operational, but one truth stands clear: the invisible will no longer remain unseen.